a fine night; and so, making fast their boats under the lee
of the wreck, they prepared to spend the time on board till the return
of day. Of course, they had to keep a watch on deck. The first watch
was kept by the Haddens; the morning watch by the people of the other
boat. When John Hadden and his sons awoke in the morning, and came on
deck, the other boat was gone, and so was the box of gold, which had
been left in the cabin.

Daylight returning, a white speck was seen away to the northward. John
Hadden, as he looked through the glass, knew that it was the boat of
those who had been with him. There were some sand-banks, and a narrow
passage through them, by which a long distance might be saved. At
certain tides this passage was dangerous, even in fine weather.

"The foolish fellows are making for the Gut!" exclaimed John Hadden. "I
would not try to go through it for any sum." Just then some clouds were
seen driven across the sky by a squall; the wind struck the boat.
"She's lost! she's lost!" cried John Hadden, in a tone of pity. Over
went the boat; nor she, nor her crew, nor the box of gold were ever seen
again.

The ship was soon got afloat, and was brought by John Hadden and his
brave sons into harbour. They gained a large sum for saving the ship.

"I told you," said John to his sons, "do right, whatever comes of it.
This time, much good has come to us; so it generally will. If it does
not, never mind; we don't see the good--that's all. God knows best what
is best. Still do right."

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Note 1. When the name and character of a vessel met at sea are not
known, it is spoken of by sailors as `a stranger'; of a stranger they
say _he_, but a known vessel is named _she_.

CHAPTER THREE.

A SHIP IN DISTRESS.

As yet the sun seemed always to have shone on little Ben. He had a good
fond mother to look after him at home, and a kind father who set him a
good example, taught him well, fed him well, and never took him to sea
in bad weather, or let him suffer any hardships which could be helped.
Seldom could a merrier, happier fellow than Ben then was be found. Dark
days, however, were coming for him, of which he little thought.
Thankful, indeed, should we be that our ever-kind God does not allow us
to know beforehand what we may be called on to suffer.

The summer passed away, the winter returned, and the large luggers being