rian had little care:
he was astonished to find how slightly the suspense of waiting told upon
him, except for others' sake. He had no prospects: no future. But
Percival had everything in the world that heart could wish for: home,
happiness, success. It was natural that his impatience should have
something in it that was fierce and bitter. If this ship failed them,
the disappointment would almost break his heart.

"They've seen us," Jackson repeated, hoarsely. "They're making for the
island. Thank God!"

"Don't be too sure," said Percival, in a harsh voice. Then, in a few
minutes, he added:--"The boats had better be seen to. I think you are
right."

Fenwick and the boy went off immediately to the place where the two
little boats were moored--boats which they had all laboured to
manufacture out of driftwood and rusty iron nails. Jackson remained to
throw fuel on the fire, and Percival, suddenly laying a hand on Brian's
arm, led him apart and turned his back upon the glittering expanse of
sea.

"I'm as bad as a woman," he said, tightening his grasp till it seemed
like one of steel on Brian's arm. "It turns me sick to look. Do you
think it is coming or not!"

"Of course it is coming. Don't break down at the last moment, Heron."

"I'm not such a fool," said Percival, gruffly. "But--good God! think of
the months we have gone through. I say," with a sudden and complete
change of tone, "you're not going to back out of our arrangements, are
you? You're coming to England with me?"

"If you wish it."

"I do wish it."

"Very well. I will come."

They clasped hands for a moment in silence and then separated. Brian
went to the hut to collect the scanty belongings of the party: Percival
made his way down to the boats.

There was no mistake about the vessel now. She was making steadily for
the Rocas Reef. About a mile-and-a-half from it she hove to; and a boat
was lowered. By this time Heron and Jackson had rowed to the one gap in
the barrier reef that surrounded the island; they met the ship's boat
half-way between the reef and the ship itself. A young, fair,
pleasant-looking man in the ship's boat attracted Percival's attention
at once: he seemed to be in some position of authority, although it was
evident that he was not one of the ship's officers. As soon as they were
within speaking distance of each other, questions and answers were
exchanged. Percival was struck by the brightness of the young man's face
as he gav