air; "the sooner we are
away from them the better."

Hemming hearing this, observed that he proposed making a raft, and in
spite of all they had undergone, venturing on it to the coast of Africa,
which he was confident was visible to the eastward. It was agreed
therefore that they would set about building it at once, and should no
sail appear in sight, push off as soon as it was completed. On the east
side of the rock was a bay sheltered from the view of the other part.
Here a number of spars and planks were driven in, as well as rope and
canvas. Hemming thus had soon a raft constructed capable of carrying
twice as many men as wished to trust themselves on it. He also had a
supply of provisions and water carried down to it without being observed
by the drunken seamen. When all was ready, he invited the Spanish
officers to accompany them, but they declined, saying that they could
not leave their men, though from the glances they cast on the raft, it
was evident that they did not wish to entrust themselves on it. They,
however, did not object to the Englishmen taking the water and
provisions, the latter promising that if they got safe to any European
settlement they would send them assistance.

"Now, my lads, we'll launch our raft," exclaimed Hemming, when all their
arrangements were made.

The Spaniards had not been aware of the nature of their proceedings, but
unfortunately two or three of the more sober, who had begun to scramble
about the rock, caught sight of them. Believing naturally that they
were about to make off with the provisions and water, summoning their
comrades, they rushed fiercely towards them.

"Now, my boys, a hearty shove altogether, and we'll have the raft into
the water before the scoundrels can come up to us," shouted Hemming,
setting an example by putting all his strength to the work. The Spanish
seamen, brandishing their knives, were close to them.

"One shove more and the raft will be afloat," cried Jack.

"Hurrah, hurrah, she's afloat," sang out Terence. Their two sick
shipmates were speedily placed in the centre of the raft, and the rest
leaped on to it. The Spaniards were close to them; one seized a rope
which still held the raft to the shore. Quick as thought Hemming took
one of the paddles they had prepared, and springing on shore, used it
with such good effect that he drove the wretches back before him, then
leaping again on to the raft, he shoved it a dozen yards off from