ey were about to
undertake was of the most perilous nature, and one which, in any other
than the hopeless circumstances in which they were placed at that time,
would have been regarded as the most desperate of forlorn hopes.

For fourteen souls to be tossed about on the wide and stormy sea, during
many weeks, it might be months, in a small open boat, crowded together
and cramped, without sufficient covering, and on short allowance of
food, was indeed a dreary prospect, even for the men--how much more so
for the delicate child who shared their trials and sufferings? Captain
Dunning's heart sank within him when he thought of it; but he knew how
great an influence the conduct and bearing of a commander has, in such
circumstances, on his men; so he strove to show a smiling, cheerful
countenance, though oftentimes he carried a sad and anxious heart in his
bosom. To the doctor and Tim Rokens alone did he reveal his inmost
thoughts, because he knew that he could trust them, and felt that he
needed their advice and sympathy.

The work progressed so rapidly, that in a few days more the boat
approached completion, and preparations were being made in earnest for
finally quitting the little isle on which they had found a home for so
many days.

It was observed by the captain that as the work of boat-building drew to
a close, Glynn Proctor continued to labour long after the others had
retired to rest, wearied with the toils of the day--toils which they
were not now so well able to bear as heretofore, on account of the
slight want of vigour caused by being compelled to live on half
allowance.

One evening the captain went down to the building yard in Fairyland, and
said to Glynn--

"Hallo, my boy! at it yet? Why, what are you making? A dog-kennel,
eh?"

"No; not exactly that," replied Glynn, laughing. "You'll hardly guess."

"I would say it was a house for Jacko, only it seems much too big."

"It's just possible that Jacko may have a share in it," said Glynn; "but
it's not for him."

"Who, then? Not for yourself, surely!"

"It's for Ailie," cried Glynn gleefully. "Don't you think it will be
required?" he added, looking up, as if he half feared the captain would
not permit his contrivance to be used.

"Well, I believe it will, my boy. I had intended to get some sort of
covering for my dear Ailie put up in the stern-sheets; but I did not
think of absolutely making a box for her."

"Ah, you'll find it will be a c