gh; but their slight sleep, with the
subsequent awakening to the knowledge that the wind had sprung up again
and was bearing them once more in some certain direction, had restored
their courage and revived their hopes.

This courage, too, had became more courageous, this hope more hopeful on
the approach of the barque; for, they believed she would take them on
board and restore them by and by to their friends, advancing so
gallantly as she did towards them, like an angel, so Dick thought.

But, now!

What were the calamities which they so recently bewailed in comparison
with the present?

Then, the yacht might have been at the mercy of the mist and tide; but
she was still staunch and sound, capable when a breeze blew once more of
wafting them home--whereas, now, the little cutter was dismasted and
water-logged, nay, even sinking for all they knew!

Thus, their present position was a thousandfold more terrible than the
one before.

But, still, only boys though they were, hope did not yet quite desert
them.

The indomitable courage of youth triumphed over disaster.

For a few seconds neither could speak.

However, when the ship had disappeared, going away as silently as she
had approached them, they bestirred themselves to see what damage the
cutter had sustained.

Bob was the first to recall his scattered wits.

"Well, they haven't sunk us, as I was afraid they would, Dick!" said he.
"I wonder if any of the planks are really started?"

"How can we see, Master Bob?" asked Dick anxiously. "So as to know if
she be all right?"

"Why, by baling her out," he answered. "If we lessen the water in her,
then we'll know she's all right."

"But if the water don't go down?"

"Then, _we_ will!" replied Bob rather curtly. "Have you got anything to
bale her out with?"

"Well, Master Bob," observed Dick, grinning, "fur a young gen'leman as
is so sharp, you've got a orful bad mem'ry! Don't 'ee recollect the
booket as ye helped me fur to wash down the decks wi' this very
marnin'?"

"Dear me, Dick, I declare I quite forgot that!" said Bob, with a laugh,
seeing Dick's grin; for, it was not so dark now in their immediate
vicinity, the breeze having lifted the fog slightly from the surface of
the water. "Where is the bucket stored?"

"In the locker, joost by 'ee," was Dick's response, as he waded through
the water and came up to his companion. "Stop, I'll get 'im for 'ee!
I'll have to make a dive fur he, though!"