st formidable state that existed in ancient times, cannot for a
moment be compared; and when we bear in mind that in all these various
climates, and in all these far-distant shores, the flag of our country
affords the same protection to the colonist as he would enjoy in his own
land, we may entertain some idea of the vast power that government
possesses which can make itself respected at so many opposite points
from the source whence it emanates."

I was so much interested in this description, that I had neglected to
notice the rate at which the boat was driving through the water. I now
rose with great alacrity to shift the sail, as we had got several miles
from the island, and if I did not take care we might be blown out of
sight of land. I lost no time in putting her on another tack, but we
had not proceeded far in this direction when I found the wind lull, and
presently the sail drooped to the mast, and there was a dead calm.

It became necessary now to take to our oars, and we were presently
pulling with all our strength in the direction of land. This went on
for some time till we were both tired, and I was surprised at the little
progress we had made. We lay on our oars and took some refreshment, and
then pulled with additional vigour; but I began to suspect that we were
receding from the land instead of approaching it, and called Mrs
Reichardt's attention to the fact of the island diminishing in size,
notwithstanding the length of time we had been pulling towards it.

"Ah, Frank," she said, in a melancholy tone of voice, "I have for some
time entertained suspicions that all our strength was being expended in
vain. It is very clear that we have got into a current that is every
moment taking us further out to sea, and if a breeze does not soon
spring up, we shall lose sight of the island, and then heaven only knows
what will become of us."

I shook out the sail, in hopes of its catching sufficient wind to lead
us out of the current, but not a breath of air was stirring. We did not
possess such a thing as a compass; our provisions were only calculated
for a pleasure trip--we had only one small jar of water, and a flask of
spirit, a few biscuits, two large cakes, a chicken, and some dried fish.
The land was rapidly receding; I could only mark its position with
respect to the sun, that now was pouring its burning rays upon our
little bark. If it had not been for the awning, we could not have
endured it; the h