esus. The captain's voice very weak, but
he is cheerful and resigned. It is evident that _his_ trust is in the
Lord. He exhorts us frequently. We feel the want of water more than
food. _Wednesday_.--The captain and Williams died yesterday. Ranger
drank sea water in desperation. He went mad soon after, and jumped
overboard. We tried to save him, but failed. Only three of us are
left. If we don't meet with a ship, or sight an island, it will soon
be all over with us. _Thursday_.--I am alone now. An island is in
sight, but I can scarcely raise myself to look at it. I will bind
this book to my hand. If any one finds me, let him send it to my
beloved wife, Lucy. It will comfort her to know that my last thoughts
on earth were of her dear self, and that my soul is resting on my
Redeemer. I grow very cold and faint. May God's best blessing
rest--'"

The voice of the reader stopped suddenly, and for some moments there was
a solemn silence, broken only by a sob from Polly Samson.

"Why don't you go on?" asked the captain.

"There is nothing more," said Jack sadly. "His strength must have
failed him suddenly. It is unfortunate, for, as he has neither signed
his name nor given the address of his wife, it will not be possible to
fulfil his wishes."

"Maybe," suggested O'Rook, "if you open some more o' the pages you'll
find a name somewheres."

Jack searched as well as the condition of the book would admit of and
found at last the name of David Ban--, the latter part of the surname
being illegible. He also discovered a lump in one place, which, on
being cut into, proved to be a lock of golden hair, in perfect
preservation. It was evidently that of a young person.

"That's Lucy's hair," said O'Rook promptly. "Blessin's on her poor
heart! Give it me, Philosopher Jack, as well as the book. They both
belong to me by rights, 'cause I found 'em; an' if ever I set futt in
old England again, I'll hunt her up and give 'em to her."

As no one disputed O'Rook's claim, the book and lock of hair were handed
to him.

Soon afterwards Polly lay down to rest in her new bower, and her father,
with his men, made to themselves comfortable couches around her, under
the canopy of the luxuriant shrubs.

A week passed. During that period Captain Samson, with Polly, Jack, and
Wilkins, walked over the island in all directions to ascertain its size
and productions, while the crew of the _Lively Poll