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" Willy went aft, and made his report in a low voice. Harry opened his eyes, and tried to listen, but he was already so overcome with fatigue that he could scarcely understand what was said, and directly Willy had ceased speaking, he was fast asleep again. CHAPTER NINE. THE ADVENTURE OF THE "RANGER'S" BOATS. A CALM--THE CUTTER SEEN ASTERN--PEOPLE CRY OUT FOR WATER--HARRY TAKES AN OBSERVATION--THE LAUNCH PUT TO RIGHTS--SQUIDS LEAP ON BOARD--A HAIL FROM THE CUTTER--HOLT'S SAD CONDITION--PETER BEGS TO JOIN WILLY--LIZARD KILLS A WHALE--BLUBBER USED AS FUEL--WILD-FOWL SHOT--MRS RUMBELOW VISITS THE CUTTER--CUTTER'S CREW TRY TO DETAIN MRS RUMBELOW--THE CREWS TAKE TO THE OARS--MRS RUMBELOW ASSISTS IN ROWING. When the young commander of the "Ranger's" launch awoke, he found her floating on a glassy sea. Not a breath of wind filled her sails, though every now and then a long, low undulation rose beneath her keel, and went rolling away to the southward. The sun was striking down with undimmed splendour upon the world of waters. Harry's head had been sheltered from its burning rays by a shawl which Mrs Rumbelow had thoughtfully thrown over him. He felt that heavy weight at his heart which those oppressed with care or sorrow are apt to experience. In a few minutes, however, after uttering a secret prayer to Heaven for strength, he was able to cast it off, and arousing himself, sat up to consider what he had to do. Most of the people, under the superintendence of the doctor, were employed in drying the tea and biscuits, and other articles wetted by the salt water. On lines stretched from the masts were hung up numberless articles of clothing and bedding. The women were seated in the bottom of the boat; one was nursing the baby, who appeared still flourishing. Very few were idle. Mrs Morley and her daughters were setting them a good example, and Mrs Rumbelow was making her way among them, the most active of the party with hand and tongue. The doctor was busy for'ard over the stove, where, with the assistance of the armourer's and carpenter's mates, he was engaged on some iron work which absorbed his whole attention. Harry's first impulse was to look out for the other boat. At first he could not distinguish her, but by the aid of a glass he made out her sail just rising above the horizon to the eastward; yet it was so indistinct that, had not Willy and Paul Lizard declared they could make it out, he might hav
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