's afloat."

"Then in the name of Heaven, shove off as quickly as possible," said
Selim, as he and Aphiz seize each an oar and strove to force the
raft away from the deck. A way had already been cut through the
bulwarks.

At first the raft did not stir, but gradually it slid away, and
finally, to the joy of all, it was free and clear of the schooner's
side, and by the strong efforts of the crew, they increased the
space between them in a very few moments to the distance of several
rods. It was not one moment too soon, for a deep gurgling sound rang
on the ear for a moment, then the stern rose above the surface of
the sea as the bows plunged, and in a moment after she was gone
forever.

Even at a distance they had already gained, they felt the power of
the vortex, and were drawn towards its brink with fearful velocity,
as though they had been a mere feather floating upon the sea, but
gradually the raft became once more steady, and as the twilight
settled over the scene the whole party knelt in prayer for
protection upon that wide, unbroken waste of waters.

They had taken the precaution to secure some food, though in a
damaged state, and partaking sparingly of this as the moon lit up
the wild scene, and the sea went down after its turmoil and tempest,
they arranged themselves to sleep, Komel and Zillah close by each
other's side, and the poor idiot boy coiled himself silently at
their feet. He had been uncomplaining and watchful ever since the
calamity, but had kept closer than ever to Komel's side, who, even
in those moments of fearful trial, found time to bestow upon the boy
looks and words of kind assurance,--that was enough--he seemed happy.

All the day and another night were passed thus. The fearful gale had
cleared the sea of navigators, who had not yet ventured out from
their safe anchorage, and still the raft drove on, aided by a little
jury mast and the fore-topsail of the schooner, which had been
hastily unbent and placed on the raft. Hunger had attacked them, for
the provisions they had saved were now all gone, and this, added to
the exposure they suffered, caused many a blanched cheek, and Komel
and Zillah seemed ready to give way under the trial.

It was at the dawn of the third day that their eyes were gladdened
by the distant hills of Abrasia, and soon after they neared the
coast so as to make out its headlands, when a favoring wind, as if
on purpose to speed them on their way, came over the Georg