und much benefit from it. It
has been known, indeed, under similar circumstances, to preserve the
lives of people who might otherwise have perished. The mate, however,
cautioned Walter on no account to drink the salt water, however tempted
by thirst, as it has a powerful effect, and in many instances has
produced madness. Walter promised strictly to follow the mate's advice.

"I give it to you now," said the mate, "because there is no saying what
may happen to me. You are young, and may survive, while I may knock
under from the hardships we may have to endure. I would give my few
remaining years of life to know that you were safe, and restored to your
father."

"Oh, don't talk thus, Mr Shobbrok," said Walter; "I hope that you may
live and get back safely to Old England."

The mate had waited near to the spot where the ship had gone down, on
the possibility of the boats returning, but the day was now drawing on,
and they did not appear.

"There's no use in remaining here longer, I am afraid," he said at
length. "We will make sail, and run before the breeze. There's land
away to the eastward, though I'm afraid it's a long way off; however, if
we can get there, we may obtain food and water, at all events. As far
as I can judge, it's the only thing we can do under present
circumstances. Perhaps we may be picked up by a ship, as whalers
frequent these seas."

Walter of course agreed to the mate's proposal, and accordingly the sail
was hoisted between two oars, a third oar serving as a rudder. The
breeze freshened, and the raft ran swiftly over the water. Night at
length approached. Walter felt very drowsy, and could with difficulty
keep his eyes open, though he made strenuous efforts to do so. The mate
observing him, said, "Lie down, Walter; you are less accustomed to long
watches than I am. Get some sleep, my lad; and when I think you have
had enough of it, and should the weather continue moderate, I will call
you, and you can take a spell at the helm."

Walter thankfully did as the mate advised, and was soon in the land of
dreams, and far away in old England. He once, when a little boy, had
had a fever, and he thought he was lying on his bed as he then did, with
his fond mother watching over him, and giving him cooling draughts, and
singing a sweet song he loved to hear. He was awakened at length by the
old mate calling him. His mouth felt dreadfully parched. What would he
not have given for a cup