or most
of the time; at length, when their work was far advanced, it subsided
considerably. Their labours were, however, not ended till nearly dark,
by which time it was again calm. They made an awning with the boats'
sails, and were all glad to lie down and get some rest after the
fatigues of the day, the necessary guards having been placed to give
notice of the approach of an enemy. They prudently would not light a
fire lest the light should be seen by the pirates, who might be on the
lookout for them.

Jack's chief concern was for Harry Bevan. The men bore their sufferings
well, though they groaned in their sleep as wounded men generally do,
even when not in much pain; but their pulses kept up, and their minds
were collected. Jack and Adair had gone to the highest point of rock in
the neighbourhood, to ascertain, if they could, if any enemy was near;
but far as their gaze could extend across the starlit ocean, no vessel
of any sort floated on its surface. Hoping that they might be left in
peace till daylight, and thus give longer time for Mr Cherry to rejoin
them, they returned to their encampment. They found poor little Harry
talking away vehemently about people and circumstances of which they
knew nothing, relating undoubtedly to his far-distant home. His mind
was wandering. He thought Jack was his mother, and blessed him for all
the care and kindness he was showing him. He fancied, however, that
Adair was Queerface; and told him that he would rope's-end him if he
came near him, a compliment Paddy did not altogether approve of. The
worst part of the business was, that they could do nothing for the poor
boy. They had no medicine, and had no notion of what to administer if
they had had any. Jack was afraid of giving more brandy, so he let him
have as much water as he wanted to drink; and by soothing words tried to
calm his mind, and lull him to sleep. At length Dick Needham, who
belonged to Jack's boat, woke up and entreated to be allowed to sit by
the side of the poor little fellow. Who could wish for a more tender,
gentle nurse than a true-hearted British sailor can make when he is
aware that grog, however good in its way, is not, under all
circumstances, the very best of medicines that can be administered?
Leaving Harry therefore to Needham's care, Jack and Terence sat up
talking for some time longer, making arrangements, like wise commanders,
what, under the various circumstances which might occur,