d Tommy. As they looked out
they could see the whole sea, which had been calm as a mirror when they
went to sleep, now tossed into high waves topped by foam, which came
roaring against the island. Sometimes, indeed, it seemed as if they
would roll over it, and sweep them and the hut and everything away, for
the reef at the side from which the wind was blowing at that time
afforded but slight shelter.

"Look out, lads; we had better say our prayers, for to my mind our last
days have come," said old Grim, coming back into the hut.

"I'll say my prayers," said Bill, "whether or not the last day is likely
to have come."

"Right, boy," said Mr Collinson, who overheard him. "If all prayed as
you do, lad, in times of safety, no one need have cause to tremble in
danger. However, lads, you need not fear that the sea will break over
the island. Depend upon it, this hurricane is not worse than has often
blown in these latitudes; and if the sea had ever broken over the
island, these tall trees would not be standing. There is no fear
either, I think, of their coming down. Our hut, too, seems to stand
securely, thanks to your carpentering, and the strong way in which it
has been built. Very likely many a larger mansion will be unroofed
to-night by the wind which spares our little hut."

Encouraged by Mr Collinson, his companions again lay down, but of
course to sleep was impossible. They, therefore, passed the remainder
of the night in conversation, though they had to raise their voices to
make themselves heard. The more furious hurricanes often do not last
for any length of time. By the time the sun once more rose, the wind
had abated, and rapidly falling, there was once more a calm. Bill was
the first to go out of the hut, for the rest of the party, as the noise
ceased, had gradually fallen off to sleep again. As he looked seaward,
his eyes caught sight of a dark object floating at some distance from
the land. A second glance only was required to show him that it was a
dismasted vessel. With the hope that she might perhaps afford them the
means of escaping, he hurried back with the Intelligence into the hut.
The whole party, with the exception of the lieutenant, were quickly on
their feet, rushing out to see the stranger. Mr Collinson, hearing
their exclamations, in spite of his weakness, rose from his bed and
followed them.

"I should not mind going out on the raft, if either of you will
accompany me," cried