knew the Sermon on the Mount and several psalms by
heart. The mate was also well acquainted with the subjects of many
other parts of Scripture, which every Sunday he explained in simple
language to his hearers, while one or more psalms were repeated; and
thus they were able to keep, if not to the form, at all events to the
spirit of a Sabbath service.

They had many causes for thankfulness. Notwithstanding the hardships
they had gone through, their health was excellent--even Alice never had
an hour's illness--while the products of the island and the ocean
supplied them with an abundance of wholesome food. Besides, they had
plenty of work to keep their minds occupied. Alice, taking a hint from
the doctor's frame for forming a flag, contrived a loom, with the
assistance of Walter, with which she set diligently to work to
manufacture material which would serve as clothing when her own garments
were worn out. The doctor also took into consideration various means
for replacing their shoes when these should come to pieces,--which his
and Dan's already gave signs of doing.

By the mate's calculation they had already been three months on the
island; and though a good lookout had been kept from their watch-house
during that time, not a sail had appeared in sight. One evening Dan had
been keeping the afternoon watch, when Nub, whose turn it was to keep
the first watch, went to relieve him. He soon came running back,
however, dancing, leaping, and clapping his hands, as if he had gone
mad, while he shouted at the top of his voice--

"A sail! a sail! She come dis way."

The doctor was away shooting and botanising; but the mate and Walter
immediately hurried towards the point; while Alice, who had heard Nub's
shouts, dropped her work and quickly followed them. They all looked out
eagerly in the direction Dan pointed, where, in the north, just rising
above the horizon, was seen the white sail of a vessel, lighted up by
the rays of the setting sun. The wind came from the point where she was
seen, and it was evident that she was standing towards the south; but
whether or not she would pass near enough to observe their signal was
extremely uncertain. The wind being fresh, sent the stranger rapidly
along; and though she was still too far off to see the flag, it was at
once hoisted. How the hearts of all the party throbbed with anxiety!
Darkness was coming on, and would soon shroud her from sight, and also
prevent those on