rved the captain, "as they would
be sure to overpower us. We must trust that God will find some way for
our escape."

The captain told Bill to give to each of them the same rations which
they allowed for themselves, though it was not more than just sufficient
to support life. Each day they came for their allowance, but still did
not offer to assist in removing the captain. Hixon and the rest were
very indignant.

The captain, however, quieted them, and insisted upon the provisions
being equally shared amongst all the survivors from the shipwrecked
crew.

At length, although their allowance had been still further reduced, no
biscuits nor meat remained. A few herrings and some cabbages which had
been washed up, and were wellnigh rotten, were the only articles of food
they still had. Bill, however, came back with some birds' eggs and he
thought that soon more might be obtained should the weather clear, and
the birds visit the island in greater numbers.

Peter had, with the rest, taken his turn in watching by the flag-staff.
He was casting his eyes around when they fell on the sails of a vessel
just rising above the horizon. He watched her eagerly--she was drawing
near. He ran down the hill to give the joyful intelligence to his
friends. They quickly returned with him, the captain telling them to
leave him alone, as he felt quite well enough to remain by himself.
Each man carried a bundle of drift-wood, some dry grass, or branches
from the numerous low bushes they found in sheltered spots, to assist in
lighting a beacon, should the vessel not draw near till nightfall. A
tinder-box had enabled the other party to obtain a light. Bill went for
it. When he told them of the ship being seen, they would not believe
him.

"Get up and have a look at her," he answered.

One of them did so. On being convinced, some showed their satisfaction
by leaping about and shouting, others growled out that she would not
come near the land, but none thought of praying that she might be
directed towards them, or showed any gratitude at the prospect of
deliverance.

On came the ship, but as she neared the island the shades of evening
concealed her from sight. The beacon was immediately lighted, but they
had to remain all night in the uncertainty whether it had been seen.

How anxiously they waited for the return of morning, and how eagerly
they cast their straining eyes in the direction she had last appeared as
daylight broke