try and ascertain if any place which would
afford him and his shipmate shelter from the night air, was near. He
could only see black rocks rising up above the beach, though in one
place there appeared to be an opening, but it was too dark to
distinguish whether there were trees beyond.

"It will never do to remain here all night," he said to himself; "it is
still some hours off morning, and we both of us may perish."

The effort he had to make to take care of his friend was of the greatest
benefit to himself. It prevented his thoughts dwelling on his own
sufferings. He tried to lift up his companion, to carry him in his
arms, but his strength was insufficient, and after going a few paces he
was obliged to let him sink again on the ground.

"Voules, Voules, my dear fellow, do speak!" he exclaimed; "tell me where
you are hurt. What can I do for you? You are safe on shore. If you
could but arouse yourself, we might get under shelter."

But Voules only gave an occasional sigh. He seemed too weak almost to
groan. Again Lord Reginald attempted to carry him towards an
overhanging rock which rose at some distance beyond the beach. In this
he succeeded better than at first, and after stopping two or three times
he reached it. To his satisfaction, he discovered that there was a
small cave, the bottom covered with dry sand. This would, at all
events, afford a more comfortable resting-place than the open beach, as
well as shelter from the rain, which now came on in dense showers. It
was so dark, however, that he could not see his companion's features.
Seating himself by his side, he once more began to chafe his hands and
breast, he then turned him on one side, when his patient threw up some
of the water which he had swallowed. Thus relieved, Voules appeared to
recover slightly.

"You'll do well, I hope, my poor fellow, if you would but pluck up
courage," said Lord Reginald. "When daylight returns we shall find some
food and water."

"I fear not," answered Voules, in a faint voice. "I am bruised all
over, and I feel as if my right leg was broken."

"I hope not," said Lord Reginald, examining the limb. To his dismay he
found that Voules was right. "We must try and set it," he observed;
"though it will prevent you being of much use for some time to come, you
must not despair on that account. I earnestly hope that some of the men
may have escaped to help us, though I could discover no one on the part
of the b