a little longer, while I do not think the vessel will go to
the bottom just yet."

Roger directed that the two seamen should be lifted into the boat, and
the two passengers; promising to return immediately for the remainder,
he pulled back to the ship as speedily as his crew could urge their
oars. On the way, he asked the two seamen who the person was who had
waved the flag.

"He was the mate of our vessel," answered one of the men.

"What is his name?" inquired Roger, eagerly.

"Simon Bates, I fancy," replied the other; "but we always called him
mate."

As he came alongside he sang out, "Half a beaker of water and some
biscuit, or any food to be found."

The water and some food were handed into the boat; and the moment the
people he had brought were hoisted up on deck, he made his way back for
the remainder.

"Come along now, Mr Bates," he said, addressing the officer; "it is all
right. The men say you are mate of this vessel."

Before taking the perishing people into the boat, Roger offered them
some water and food. The water was eagerly drunk, but one of the poor
sufferers was too far gone to swallow the food. Still, as there was
life in him, Roger hoped that the doctor might bring him round.

"There are some more below, though I fear they are past help," said the
mate, in a low voice, for he was but just able to speak.

Roger descended into the cabin. There lay two more persons, but on
lifting their hands he saw at once they were dead. In a berth on one
side was another who seemed to retain some sparks of life, but he was
too far gone to speak. Roger immediately sang out for some food and
water, which was handed down to him. He administered a little to the
sufferer in the hopes that he might be revived sufficiently to be
carried on deck. Though he drank the water eagerly, just as he placed
the food between his lips a deep sigh escaped him, his jaw dropped, and
he was dead. No other persons being found alive below, Roger, with
those he had rescued, shoved off from the sinking wreck, and from her
appearance he judged she would not keep afloat many hours longer.

When he had given an account of what had occurred on board, Captain
Benbow inquired if he knew the name of the mate.

"The men call him Simon Bates, sir," answered Roger.

"Then let him be entered by that name among those saved from the wreck,"
said the Captain. "And who are the other people?" he asked.

"They are passengers, sir,"