ight have all sunk, or that the ravenous sharks might have got hold of
them. Nothing but despair, indeed, would have induced them to make the
attempt.

Great was his relief on seeing at length four heads above the surface,
with their faces directed landward. So intent were they, indeed, that
they were not aware of his approach. Each one had lashed himself to an
oar with the faint hope, though they had but little notion, of swimming,
of gaining the shore. Tom's shout was the first intimation they had of
his escape, for they all had given him and Archy up as lost.

Desmond was the first helped on board, and great was their delight at
meeting. Highly satisfied with the success of his expedition, Mr
Scrofton received all the party on board, promising the blacks in the
shore-boat a further reward if they would tow the pinnace towards the
shore. He then, with the rescued party, made the best of his way back
to the ship, happily soon afterwards falling in with Archy Gordon; whose
boat, while he was taken on board, was sent to assist the other
shore-boat.

Captain Hemming, who felt very anxious on their account, was too glad to
get them back to find fault. Tom and Archy received the praise which
was their due for their gallant act, while Mr Scrofton was properly
complimented by the captain for his sagacity and judgment, and the
midshipmen resolved never more to attempt to quiz him about his
philosophical notions.

Jack and Terence did not get back till daylight, when they found that
Tom and Gerald had been snug in their hammocks for several hours. They
felt somewhat inclined to quarrel with them for the trouble they had
given, though in reality heartily thankful that they had escaped.

CHAPTER SIX.

THE CRUISE OF THE DROGHER--BARBUDA FIELD-SPORTS--HOSPITABLY
ENTERTAINED--SAIL AGAIN--CAPTAIN QUASHO--A DRUNKEN CREW--REACH SABA--THE
ISLAND EXPLORED--THE BLACK CREW TAKE FRENCH LEAVE--HIGSON AND OTHERS GO
IN SEARCH OF THEM--THE THREE MIDSHIPMEN AND NEEDHAM DRIVEN OFF THE LAND
BY A HURRICANE--THE DROGHER DISAPPEARS IN THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT.

Although all the gunroom officers who could get leave were anxious to go
to the ball, old Higson, who was not a dancing man, and some of the
youngsters from both ships declared that it would be a great bore.
Notwithstanding the fearful danger so many of them had lately escaped,
they took it into their heads that it would be far pleasanter to make a
trip somewhere by sea. Afte