In the mean time the wind increased to a very hard gale, the
vessel pitched with great violence, the sea washed over the deck,
the master was alarmed, the crew were confounded, the passengers
were overwhelmed with sickness and fear, and universal distraction
ensued. In the midst of this uproar, Peregrine holding fast by
the taffrail, and looking ruefully ahead, the countenance of Pipes
presented itself to his astonished view, rising, as it were, from
the hold of the ship. At first he imagined it was a fear-formed
shadow of his own brain; though he did not long remain in this
error, but plainly perceived that it was no other than the real
person of Thomas, who, jumping on the quarter-deck, took charge of
the helm, and dictated to the sailors with as much authority as if
he had been commander of the ship. The skipper looked upon him as
an angel sent to his assistance; and the crew soon discovered him
to be a thoroughbred seaman, notwithstanding his livery-frock;
obeyed his orders with such alacrity, that, in a little time, the
confusion vanished; and every necessary step was taken to weather
the gale.
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