from the main shore.

On the beach were several old wooden huts and a large iron boiler that
had evidently been used for "trying out" seal and whale oil from the
blubber; while further up the shore was a small graveyard, a rather
melancholy-looking spot with a few wooden crosses and piles scattered
about it bearing dreary legends relating to the untimely end of
different seamen who had either died there on shore, or had lost their
lives at sea in the immediate vicinity. However, the most important
point to our little party, was the fact that there were no signs of any
vessels having recently visited the place; and, consequently, Mr
Meldrum had carried out his original plan to the letter, having
evidently arrived there in time before the annual coming of the whalers.

Early the next morning the jolly-boat was sent back to fetch the others,
and towards the evening of the day following the whole of the party were
once more together.

A week passed by without any event of note happening, during which
period the little community did not suffer from any want of food or
other necessaries, for they found a store of provisions in one of the
huts that had evidently been placed there in case of need similar to
their own; so, things jogged on evenly enough. Still, all were in a
state of high-strung suspense, looking out eagerly from morning till
night for the promised vessel that every one expected was coming to
deliver them.

"I guess they'd better look alive, mister, if they're coming," said Mr
Lathrope, "or else the summer'll be gone afore we git away, and then we
shall have to go back to Penguin Castle for another winter. I'd sooner
a durned sight be thar than haar if it comed on to blow!"

"Patience, my friend!" replied Mr Meldrum. "Don't you recollect that
old French proverb, `Everything comes to him who waits!'"

"Don't reckon I dew, mister," answered the other. "I guess, though, it
warn't a waiter at one of them hotels that said that, hey?"

"Perhaps not," said Mr Meldrum, smiling at the American's hit; "but
I've no doubt we shall be rescued this year, even if we have to wait."

He was not disappointed.

On the Monday morning of the following week the look out man--for they
had set up another signal station here at the head of the harbour the
same as at Penguin Castle--sang out the welcome call--"Sail ho!"

And, soon after, a large fore-and-aft rigged schooner was seen entering
the bay.

She proved to be