ds," he said, "we must consider this worth its weight in
gold, and more than that, too."

The men promised to husband it with the greatest care. All hands now
went below, to search for more provisions, while Mr Collinson remained
at the helm. A few onions were discovered, and another small cask of
biscuits, but they were somewhat damaged by the salt water. Nothing
else eatable could be found. Even during the short time they had been
below, the wind had increased considerably, and the vessel was now
tumbling about more than ever. Jack's face, too, looked unusually long
as he went up to Mr Collinson.

"I am afraid, sir, the brig won't swim many hours longer, for, as she
rolls about, the water comes pouring in on both sides."

"I was afraid it would be so," said Mr Collinson. "We must have
another spell at the pumps, then."

"Very little use in that, sir," said old Grim. "I don't think if we
were to pump spell after spell we should keep the vessel afloat. To my
mind, if there's any shore near, we should steer directly for it, and
even then I doubt if we should reach it."

Under the present circumstances, Grim could venture to speak to an
officer with more freedom than on ordinary occasions. Although Mr
Collinson wished to keep up the men's spirits, he could not help seeing
that they were right. Indeed, from the peculiar motion of the vessel,
in a short time he began to fear that she would not float even as long
as they had expected. All this time the raft had been towing astern.
It was well-built, or it would have come to pieces from the tossing
about it was now receiving. Should the vessel go down, it was their
only hope. Still the lieutenant determined to try and save her; and,
going to the pump, he began working away himself. Jack followed him,
and even old Grim took a spell. He worked on for some time.

"It's of no use," he said at length; "I am sure we are not keeping the
water under."

It was too evident that he was right, as it came in faster than ever.
Mr Collinson now ordered them to bring the water-cask, and their scanty
supply of provisions, and a few other articles up on deck, ready to
lower down on the raft.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

Although the water was rushing into the vessel with a rapidity which
gave no hope of her floating much longer, the wind was at the same time
going down. There was thus some prospect of their lives being
preserved, uncertain though they felt it must be. Eve