rds the land that was just faintly visible right
ahead of the _Nancy Bell_, and whither she was now proceeding steadily,
but, of course, making but very slow progress through being waterlogged
forwards and possessing such small sail-power.

There was no moon, to complete the description; but the heavens above
were twinkling with bright stars that gave sufficient light to illumine
the horizon for miles round, for they touched up the crests of the waves
with coruscations of silver, and made the broken spray gleam like jets
of flame above the dark expanse of water. Everything, in a word, looked
favourable for their enjoying a quiet interval on board after all the
anxiety and hard work of the preceding day and night.

Seeing that no pressing danger was imminent, and that nothing more could
be done for the present, Mr Meldrum tried to induce Captain Dinks, who
had been on deck for over forty-eight hours, to go below and have some
rest, as he had a good deal yet before him to go through, and looked
fagged and worn-out.

But the captain would not hear of the suggestion for a moment.

"No," said he; "I mistrust that mutinous chap, Bill Moody, and the lot
who sided with him in making a rush for the boats when we struck. I
know they would be up to some mischief or other as soon as my back is
turned."

"But there is McCarthy your chief mate," replied Mr Meldrum, "surely he
can take command of the vessel, as he has so often done before, while
you have a spell off?"

"Ah, McCarthy, though as good an officer as ever stepped a plank, isn't
myself, Mr Meldrum; and as for Adams, he wants backbone, while Frank
Harness is too young a lad for the men to obey him if any difficulty
arose. Besides, there are a lot of things to see to that want my
supervision, which must be given while I have this breathing time--the
boats have to be prepared and provisioned, for instance."

"Talking of that," interrupted the other, "I have roused up that lazy
steward of yours and set him to work collecting all the tinned meats and
cabin stores he can find, and getting them up out of the steerage."

"That's right," said the captain. "It was very thoughtful, and just
what I had intended doing myself, only I forgo it! I have got our old
friend Snowball, the cook, busy here in the same way, boiling as much
salt beef and pork as he can cram into his coppers, so that it may be
ready-cooked when wanted and save time. The darkey has got the galley
fire