p him quiet now, and he is getting worse and worse. He
swears that he will swim back to the ship, as he has left all his traps
aboard, and abuses us for not going to get them."

"Lash him to a thwart, then," said the doctor. "Still, if you will come
alongside, I'll see what I can do for him."

"Do! What can a wretched saw-bones like you do? I say that I am an
officer in His Majesty's service, and I decline being treated like a
common lunatic," exclaimed the poor young man.

"He has got some sense left, at all events," observed the doctor. "He
never had much in his brains, however."

The cutter coming alongside, the doctor stepped on board. "Don't desert
us, Dr Davis," said several of those on board the launch. While Dr
Davis was talking to the unfortunate young officer, and trying to calm
him, Willy asked the boatswain how those with him had fared.

"It's a mercy we were not swamped, so we ought not to complain in regard
to other matters," answered Mr Bollard. "We have, however, but a
scanty supply of water, and that poor young gentleman and several others
have been crying out for more than I could venture to give them. Our
provisions, too, are nearly all wet--the flour and biscuit especially."

"That's bad news," remarked Willy. "We must hope soon to get a fresh
supply of water, and to do without the biscuits and flour."

After a time the doctor came back to the launch; he appeared to have
quieted the young ensign, though he left directions with his companions
to watch him narrowly, observing that he could not answer for his not
suddenly taking it into his head to leap overboard.

"Hilloa!" cried a voice, after the doctor had returned. "Is that you,
Dicey? I was fast asleep till this moment. I am so glad."

It was Peter Patch who spoke. "I wish Shafto would let me come into
your boat; we should have much better fun together."

"I should be very glad to have you," said Willy, "but I am sure Shafto
will not allow it. You were ordered into the cutter, and there I would
advise you to make up your mind to remain."

Peter seemed rather annoyed at this rebuff; but still he knew very well
that Willy was right. Bollard remarked that he was afraid all the other
boats had gone down. He had looked around for them as he was making
sail to follow the launch. One, which was at no great distance, was
evidently deeply laden, the seas threatening every instant to break over
her. Soon afterwards she suddenly