CHAPTER XIX.

THE "THREE BELLS."

Captain Leighton, of the British ship _Three Bells_, some years ago rescued the crew of an American vessel sinking in mid-ocean. Unable to take them off in the storm and darkness, he kept by them until morning, running down often during the night, as near to them as he dared, and shouting to them through his trumpet, "Never fear! hold on! I'll stand by you!"

Beneath the low-hung night-cloud That raked her splintering mast, The good ship settled slowly, The cruel leak gained fast.

Over the awful ocean Her signal guns pealed out. Dear God! was that Thy answer From the horror round about?

A voice came down the wild wind, "Ho! ship ahoy!" its cry: "Our stout _Three Bells_ of Glasgow Shall stand till daylight by!"

Hour after hour crept slowly, Yet on the heaving swells Tossed up and down the ship-lights, The lights of the _Three Bells_.

And ship to ship made signals, Man answered back to man, While oft to cheer and hearten The _Three Bells_ nearer ran.

And the captain from her taffrail Sent down his hopeful cry, "Take heart! hold on!" he shouted, "The _Three Bells_ shall stand by!"

All night across the water The tossing lights shone clear; All night from reeling taffrail The _Three Bells_ sent her cheer.

And when the dreary watches Of storm and darkness passed, Just as the wreck lurched under, All souls were saved at last.

Sail on, _Three Bells_, for ever, In grateful memory sail! Ring on, _Three Bells_ of rescue, Above the wave and gale!

J. G. WHITTIER.