The story of the Sun, New York: 1833-1928 / by Frank M. O'Brien ; with an introduction by Edward Page Mitchell ...

SOME "SUN" STORIES

261

the boatswain hove the lead; the air was thick;
you could not see a half-ship's length ahead. The
mate said:
"Reefs of Ruatan, I think, are off our bow."
The skipper answered:
"You are right; they're inside of us now."
The water filled the engine-room and put the fires
out, and quickly o'er the weather rail the seas began
to spout.
When dawn appeared there also came three blacks
from off the isle. They deftly managed their canoe,
each wearing but a smile; but, clever as they were,
their boat was smashed against the Snyg, and they
were promptly hauled aboard by gallant Captain
Wiig.
"We had thirteen aboard this ship," the fearful
cook remarked. "I think we stand a chance for life,
since three coons have embarked. Now let our good
retriever, Nig, a life-line take ashore, and all hands
of the steamship Snyg may see New York once
more."
But Nig refused to leave the ship, and so the fearless crew the life-boat launched, but breakers stove
the stout craft through and through. Said Captain
Wiig:
"Though foiled by Nig, our jig's not up, I vow;
I've still my gig, and I don't care a fig-I'll make
the beach somehow!"
And Mate Charles Christian of the Snyg (who got
here yesterday) helped launch the stanch gig of the
Snyg so the crew could get away. The gig was
anchored far inshore; with raft and trolley-line all
hands on the Snyg, including Nig, were hauled safe
o'er the brine.
Although the Snyg, of schooner rig, will ply the