ied by those in charge of the
hawser into the slings.

"We are coming sharp after you, sir," they exclaimed, anxious to secure
the life of their captain.

Such acts of devotion are too common in the navy, where the men have
officers they esteem, to be thought much of by them.

The three midshipmen, meantime, remained together, sheltered as much as
possible by the topgallant forecastle, but still the sea was continually
breaking over them. The night was very dark, and the wind bitterly
cold; the lightning too at times flashed vividly, revealing the horrors
with which they were surrounded. Mr Gale had seen the last of the
people off, they thinking that he was going to follow; but two other
unfortunate men demanded his care. One was a marine, whose arm had been
broken; the other the assistant-surgeon. The latter, never strong, had
become exhausted with the exertions he had gone through; and, when urged
to go on shore, he had declared his inability to venture on the rope.
He felt, poor fellow, that if he did, he should be washed off and
drowned. It was sad to hear the groans of the poor marine, as he lay
secured to the deck near them. Jack felt that he could have borne the
trial much better, had he and his friends been alone on the wreck. The
surgeon made no complaint, beyond the utterance now and then of a faint
moan. The horrors of death were encircling him around. Fortunately Mr
Gale had secured a flask of brandy, a few drops of which he occasionally
administered to the sufferers. He also succeeded in fishing out from
forward some of the men's clothing, which he distributed among the
party; and then, having done all that a man could do, he sat himself
down, almost overcome, to wait till the morning, when he might hope to
get the survivors on shore. Adair's leg gave him excruciating pain.
Rogers sat on one side of him, Murray on the other, supporting him in
their arms, and endeavouring, by every means they could think of, to
alleviate his suffering, by gently rubbing his legs, frequently changing
his position, and tightly grasping his hands.

"Thank you, Alick; thank you, Jack," said he faintly; "I'm better. I'd
not die this time, if it were not so bitter, bitter cold; but I wish you
two fellows were safe on shore. I should never forgive myself if any
harm was to come to you."

"Oh, nonsense, Adair, don't think about us. We are all very well, and
shall be very well, no fear," was the answer; but Jack sp