It was pitiable to see the pretty girls, with that sad hectic flush on the cheek, pleading with their doctors for “one, only one” quadrille, and the doctors reminding their patients of the one month, or so many weeks, they had to live, and that each dance would shorten life so many days. Most of the poor dears preferred the dance. [Sidenote: Jan. 13.] Anchored in Porto Santo, leaving Grey to amuse himself. Started in gig to explore the interior harbour. On nearing the land, found a surf breaking: pulled to the eastward. Approaching the Stone, further on, observed smooth water inside the surf. I entered, pulling a good half mile in perfect safety. We amused ourselves in dredging for shells, etc. [Illustration: _Gunnery Exercise._] On returning on board found that Fred Grey had watched the gig carefully through my best Dolland. Seeing her disappear behind the surf, he told me that he had written the Admiralty an account of my loss, and requested he might be appointed to the vacancy! [Sidenote: Jan. 14.] Weighed at daylight, arriving next day in Funchal Roads. [Sidenote: Jan. 17.] Had a party on board to breakfast and dance. [Sidenote: Jan. 19.] Weighed and made sail, having been most hospitably entertained during our visit. [Sidenote: Jan. 21.] The last month’s cruise gave me thorough confidence in the crew. We had throughout the usual exercise before sunset in reefing and other manœuvres. The officers of the night watches were at liberty to use their discretion in making or shortening sail, reporting any change to the Captain. Weather beautiful. Until midnight I had walked the deck with the officer of the watch. My cot was under the poop. [Sidenote: Jan. 22.] About an hour after I heard the “pat” of single drops of rain. Recollecting the old saying, “Rain before the wind, take topsails in; wind before the rain, make sail again,” I rang the bell for the officer of the watch. He said it was a beautiful night. I cautioned him to keep a good look-out, hands by halyards, etc. Not many minutes after, the three topgallant masts were over the side. The ship was hove to. The wreck was cleared by daylight. [Sidenote: Jan. 23.] The wind abated, but not the sea, and, horror of horrors, at daylight the main topmast was found sprung just below the rigging. The main topmast of such a ship was heavy, and with ever so light a swell difficult to control, but I determined to risk the responsibility. The chief danger was, after the head of the new topmast had been passed through the main cap, a lurch might spring the head of the mainmast.