four miles to the eastward. Not a
tree, or scarcely a shrub, was to be seen. In every direction all was
desolation and barrenness. He returned, not without difficulty.

"I thought I was right," said the captain. "You must do your best, my
men, to collect all you can from the wreck; we shall need it; and, Gray,
I have a word to say to you. You saved my life, I am told; if we ever
get away from this, I will prove your friend."

"I only did my duty, sir," said Peter. "I thought I could save you, and
God helped me."

"You seem to have great trust in God."

"Yes, sir," said Peter. "He is a very present help in time of trouble,
and we all have reason to trust Him."

"I have never done so before," whispered the captain; "but I will try in
future."

In the meantime the other three men were collecting fragments of sails
and spars, pieces of rope, and several things which formed part of the
cargo, a bale of cloth and another of clothing--the latter was
especially acceptable to all the party, who, with the exception of Hixon
and Peter, had little on when they left the ship; but of still greater
value was a cask of biscuits, another of herrings, and a few pieces of
pork. What the rest of the crew might have discovered they could not
tell.

As the captain could not move, a hut was built of the pieces of sail and
spars, and a bed having been made up beneath it with some dry grass and
a piece of canvas for the captain to lie on, he and his companions
prepared to pass the first night of their sojourn on the desolate rock.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

LIFE ON THE ROCK.

When morning broke the gale had entirely ceased, but no part of the ship
hung together, and all hope of obtaining any provisions from her, except
such as might be washed up on the shore, was lost. The captain's
condition also caused his companions much anxiety; he was suffering
greatly, and appeared to be weaker than on the previous day. They had
breakfasted on a small portion of biscuit and tongue, but their scanty
supply of water was almost exhausted at their first meal. Peter gave
the captain the larger part of his share, and having drunk a little
himself, entreated that the remainder might be reserved for him, as he
complained greatly of thirst.

None of the rest of the crew had returned. Peter offered to stay by the
captain if the three other men would go in search of them, and ascertain
whether any water was to be found.

"If we are to live we