s sometimes made me think of giving up the
struggle. The clouds gathered darker, the stars disappeared; I began to
doubt whether I was taking the right direction, and I was making very
little way. I knew the game was nearly up--my chest heaved--countless
sparks rose before my eyes. Just then, my boy, when I had glided half
unconsciously down the slope of a wave, I felt something under my feet
that was no longer water."

"It was land!" cried Anton.

"Yes," said Fink; "it was good firm sand. I found myself on shore about
a mile to leeward of my clothes, and fell down like a dead seal." Then
stopping, and with a steady look at Anton, "Now, mate, get ready!" cried
he; "take your legs from under the bench; I am going to tack and make
for shore. Now for it!"

At that moment came a violent gust of wind; the mast creaked, the boat
heeled over, and could not right herself. According to promise, Anton
went to the bottom without any more ado. Quick as lightning Fink dived
after him, brought him up, and, with a violent effort, reached a spot
whence they could wade ashore. "Deuce take it," gasped Fink; "take hold
of my arm, can't you?"

But Anton, who had swallowed a quantity of water, was hardly conscious,
and only waved Fink off.

"I do believe he'll be down again," cried the latter, impatiently,
catching hold of him and making for the shore.

A crowd had by this time assembled round the spot where Fink was holding
his companion in his arms and exhorting him to recover himself. At
length Anton opened his eyes.

"Why, Wohlfart," said Fink, anxiously, "how goes it, my lad? You have
taken the matter too much to heart. Poncho y ponche!" cried he to the
by-standers; "a cloak and a glass of rum--that will soon bring him
round."

A cloak was willingly lent, and our hero carried to the builder's house.

"Here is an end of boat, sails, oars, and all," said Fink,
reproachfully, "and of our coats into the bargain. Did not I tell you
that it was a good-for-nothing tub?"

For an hour, at least, Fink tended his victim with the greatest
tenderness, but it was late before Anton was sufficiently recovered to
walk home.

The next day was Sunday, and the principal's birth-day besides. On this
important occasion, the gentlemen of the office spent some hours after
dinner with the family circle, and coffee and cigars were served. As
they were sitting down to table, the good-natured cousin said to Fink,
"The whole town is full of the fear