n shore.

When morning at length broke, they were the only survivors of the
gallant band which had manned the "Nottingham Galley." Captain Deane's
first thought was, that possibly this might be the very island on which
the "Venus" had been cast away, supposing it to be an island, of which
he was not yet sure. A vague feeling that even now Elizabeth and
Mistress Pearson might be living on it, induced him immediately to set
forth to explore the country. He had not gone far before in front of
him he saw several huts, constructed evidently out of the wreck of a
vessel. He hurried on, eager to communicate with the inhabitants whom
he expected to find within them. As he reached the huts, however, he
soon saw by the open doors and the silence which reigned on every side,
that they were deserted. On searching around, however, he discovered
signs that they had been inhabited by a considerable number of persons.
One of the huts, built at a short distance from the others, was
constructed in a better style. It was closed by a door placed on
hinges, and there was a window which could be closed by a shutter. He
lifted the latch. There were two neat bed-places within, and on the
table some small shreds of silk, and a few other articles such as were
used by females met his sight. This then might possibly have been the
abode of Elizabeth. He looked eagerly around with tender interest, in
the hope of finding some sign by which he might ascertain the truth.
All the articles of value had been removed, but still it was evident
that the hut had been abandoned somewhat suddenly. At length he found
an object sticking between the crib and the wall, as if it had fallen
down between them. It was a book. He opened it eagerly. On the blank
page at the commencement were the letters "E.P." He had no longer any
doubt that it was the property of Elizabeth. He placed it in his bosom
and continued the search. There could be no doubt then, that the vessel
which Giles Dainsforth had mentioned as being on the point of sailing in
search of the shipwrecked crew had reached the place, and carried them
off in safety. For this he was truly thankful, delighted as he would
have been to have found Elizabeth still there, as he had almost expected
to do.

On his return he told his companions what he had discovered. Their
spirits revived as they began to hope that some vessel might pass that
way, and carry them to the plantation. As they gazed, h