We were running under all sail one day when, as I was forward, I saw a line of white water ahead, which I suspected must be caused by a coral reef. I reported the circumstance. Fortunately there was but little wind. I looked out anxiously on either hand to discover an opening. To the southward the line of foam terminated. The helm was put down, and the yards braced sharp up; but in five minutes a grating noise was heard and the ship struck heavily. The seamen rushed from below,--they full well knew the meaning of that ominous sound, and they believed that the ship was hopelessly lost. The captain at the time was unconscious of everything. Cousin Silas hurried on deck, and, taking a glance round, ordered the helm to be put up again, the yards to be squared, and the courses which had been clewed up to be let fall. It was our only chance. The ship's head swung round; once more she moved--grating on, and, the doctor said, tearing away the work of myriads of polypi. "Hurrah! hurrah!" a shout arose from all forward. We were free. Away we flew. This narrow escape ought to have been a warning to all on board. Unhappily it was not. The same system was pursued as before. The other mates grow jealous of Cousin Silas, and did their utmost to counteract his efforts. One night Jerry and I were on deck, actively moving about, followed by Old Surley, looking out in every direction; for it was very dark, and the officers had been having a carouse. For some reason or other I was more than usually uneasy. So was Jerry. "I should not wonder," said he, "that something will happen before long." "I hope not, if it is something bad," said I; "but I'm not altogether happy. I think that I will go and call Mr Brand." "What shall we say to him, though? There will be no use rousing him up till we have something to tell him." I agreed with Jerry, so we continued talking as before. "What are you youngsters about there?" shouted the first mate, who, although it was his watch, was half tipsy. "Go below, and turn in; I'll not have chattering monkeys like you disturbing the discipline of the ship." Jerry and I hesitated about obeying, and Jerry whispered to me that he would go and call Mr Brand. But the mate sung out, "Mutiny! mutiny! Go to your own kennels, you young hounds!" and ordered some of the watch on deck to carry out his commands. We could not help ourselves, so we went below, and turning into our berths very soon fell asleep.