Yesterday Curtis, who does not allow himself a minute's rest, made a personal inspection1 of the hold. I, with the boatswain and carpenter, accompanied him. After dislodging some of the bales of cotton we could hear a splashing, or rather gurgling sound; but whether the water was entering at the original aperture2, or whether it found its way in through a general dislocation of the seams, we were unable to discover. But, whichever might be the case, Curtis determined3 to try a plan which, by cutting off communication between the interior and exterior4 of the vessel5, might, if only for a few hours, render her hull6 more water-tight. For this purpose he had some strong, well tarred sails drawn7 upward by ropes from below the keel, as high as the previous leaking place, and then fastened closely and securely to the side of the hull. The scheme was dubious8, and the operation difficult, but for a time it was effectual, and at the close of the day the level of the water had actually been reduced by several inches. The diminution9 was small enough, but the consciousness that more water was escaping through the scupper-holes than was finding its way into the hold gave us fresh courage to persevere10 with our work.
The night was dark, but the captain carried all the sail he could, eager to take every possible advantage of the wind, which was freshening considerably11. If he could have sighted a ship he would have made signals of distress12, and would not have hesitated to transfer the passengers, and even have allowed the crew to follow, if they were ready to forsake13 him; for himself his mind was made up—he should remain on board the
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