re, and some one else to
take command here?"

"No," said Sydney, and he explained their position.

"It is very strange," said the injured man, thoughtfully, and soon
afterward Strake appeared, bringing in the freshly-cooked fish, of which
the invalid partook; and then, seeming to be drowsy, he was left to
sleep.

The next morning Sydney explained more fully their position, and the
lieutenant listened eagerly.

"I can't be much use to you, Belton," he said.

"Oh, yes, you can, sir; you'll command, and we'll do what you tell us."

"No, my dear fellow, I shall not even interfere. You are in command;
you have done wonders, and I shall let you go on. But I hope you will
let me be counsellor, and come to me for advice."

"No, no, sir; you must take command now."

"Men do not obey a commander well if they cannot see him," said the
lieutenant, smiling. "Ah, Roylance!" he continued, as that individual
came to the door of the tent; "I'm telling Mr Belton he must go on as
he has begun. I'm getting better, you see, only I shall have to be
nursed for weeks. As soon as I am a little stronger you must have me
carried down to the rocks, and I'll catch fish for you all."

"No, sir, you will not," said Roylance, laughing, "unless you want to be
pulled in; the fish are terribly strong sometimes. Has Belton told you
everything about how we stand?"

"Yes."

"About the water?"

Sydney hesitated.

"I did not mention the water," he said at last.

"Then you have found no water?"

"No, sir."

"And the supply is giving out?"

"Almost gone, sir."

The lieutenant was silent for a few moments.

"It cannot be long before the _Sirius_ returns. Of course Captain
Belton put out to sea. It would have been madness to have stopped in
these reef-bound channels. Had you not better call the men together,
and thoroughly search all the crannies among the rocks for a spring, Mr
Belton?"

"Already done, sir, twice."

"Yes, of course; you would be sure to do that. Then there is only one
thing to do; we must wait patiently for help. Had we been provided with
a boat, of course we could have searched for water on the nearest
island. But keep a good heart; the _Sirius_ cannot be long."

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

But the time seemed terribly tedious upon that parched rock, where not a
single green thing grew. The heat was terrific, and the men sat and lay
about panting, and glad of the relief afforded by the tobacco they
ch