since
my father had promised to allow them to take the long-boat, agreed to
stay behind and help him.

We first pulled for the rock on which the brig had been cast, and soon
got close up to it. Nothing was visible. We then saw through the clear
water a few timbers rising up from the keel. We had no need to examine
the spot more nearly; these told what had been the fate of the
unfortunate _Violet_.

"I am very glad that your father did not come," said Mudge; "it would
have been a sore trial to him. And now we'll look along the shore;
though I doubt much whether the cargo will have been carried thus far."

We pulled in for the shore, and then along outside the surf--which still
broke on it for a couple of miles or so to the northward--but for some
time could discover only a few shattered fragments of wreck. The
long-boat, however, got hold of some planks which were still washing
about; and the mate seemed to think that they would be useful in raising
the boat, as my father had advised.

We were about to turn back, when I caught sight of a box floating
lightly on the water. At first I thought it must be empty; but Mudge
observing that it would at all events be worth having, we pulled towards
it. It was a case of some size; and when we got it on board I observed
the word "Seeds" painted on it.

"They may be of the greatest value, if they are not spoiled by the salt
water," observed Mudge. "Your father evidently brought them out to sow
in his garden."

This encouraged us to pull on still farther; and we picked up three
other small cases of different descriptions, and a cask of beer. The
mate also got hold of two casks and some cases. After pulling a mile on
to the northward, however, and finding nothing, we agreed that it would
be useless to go farther. Accordingly, the boats being put about, we
returned to the river.

Mudge made his report to my father.

"I knew it too well," he remarked, with a sigh; "but I had some hopes
that part of the cargo might have been washed on shore. However, we
must be thankful for the things which we have recovered. The seeds are
indeed valuable; and as they are soldered up in a tin case inside the
wooden one, there is no fear of their being damaged."

One of the cases contained preserved fruits, and another dried tongues,
which were not much the worse for being wetted. Another was a chest of
tea, also in a tin case; and this was a welcome addition to our stores.
The