ely concealed all objects, except
those close at hand, from view. The sun rising above the horizon
dispersed the mist, when a small vessel was discovered under sail,
threading her way among the reefs to the westward. Those on board her
must have perceived the fort with the people moving about, and the
British flag which had just been hoisted on the flagstaff, for she
immediately kept away, and, the wind being to the eastward, ran off
before it towards the open sea. If she could be captured she would
afford the means of sending to Jamaica, though she could not carry all
the crew. The boats were therefore launched, and chase was made; but,
the breeze freshening, the stranger got clear out to sea, when all
chance of overtaking her was abandoned. Much disappointment was felt--
but as one vessel had come off the island so might others, and it was
hoped that one of sufficient size would appear to carry the whole ship's
company. The commander, being a sensible man, advised his officers to
be patient, and to make the best of the circumstances under which they
were placed.

After the fort was completed, and all the huts required were erected,
the officers had work enough in devising employment and amusement for
the men. They encouraged games of all sorts--football, cricket,
rounders, and ninepins; indeed, a stranger coming among them would not
have supposed that the merry fellows he saw were a shipwrecked crew,
especially if they had been found playing leapfrog, or dancing to the
sound of Pat Casey's fiddle. The commander and his officers were not,
however, without anxiety; they knew that no British ships, either
men-of-war or merchant vessels, were likely intentionally to approach
the dangerous reefs which surrounded the island, and that their store of
provisions must in time come to an end.

"We must not run the risk of starving," observed Commander Olding; "and
in the course of a couple of months, if we do not get off, I will allow
you, Foley, or Mr Billhook to try and make your way, as you propose, to
Jamaica."

"I shall be ready to go at any time you give me leave," answered the
second lieutenant, well pleased with the thoughts of getting away from
the island and once more meeting Ellen. By that time the hurricane
season would be over, and he hoped to be able to make the passage
safely.

"I trust, sir, that you will let me accompany you," said Gerald, when he
heard that there was at length a chance of a boat b