ing, and canvas with which to
form a covering to the raft. We were of some assistance also in putting
up the shed. This was soon done. It had, however, to be tolerably
secure, to prevent the entrance of monkeys, or any wandering bear which
might have found his way to the store. Both creatures are great
thieves, and would have carried off the whole of them. This done, my
uncle and Oliver made several improvements on the raft. A strong rail
was put up round it to serve as a bulwark, and a place raised in the
centre, also securely railed in, which they said should be our post.
They rigged also a couple of masts and sails, and some long oars, as
well as a rudder and some short paddles, which latter might be used at
times when the oars could not be so well worked. Altogether we looked
with some satisfaction on the raft, and felt thankful that we had the
means of escaping should we be driven from the island.

We were now looking out every day for the return of the _Hope_. The
weather, which for long had been very fine, once more gave signs of
changing. We remembered too clearly the sad night when the brig was
lost, and we dreaded lest the cutter might be exposed to a similar
danger. Hitherto the weather had been beautifully calm and clear; now
clouds were gathering in the sky, though the wind was not as yet very
strong.

"How dreadful it would be," said Grace, "if the mountain were to burst
forth while a hurricane was blowing! We should be driven from the
island, and yet not be able to venture on the sea."

"We should not give way to such thoughts, Miss Grace," remarked Oliver.
"Let us go on trusting to Him who has hitherto taken care of us."

"I feel rebuked," said Grace, a little time afterwards; "I will try to
quiet my alarms, and hope for the best."

Having now made all the arrangements which could be thought of, we very
frequently went down to Flagstaff Rock to look out for the _Hope_.
Often we had to return disappointed, however. At length one day, when
Oliver, Grace, and I, attended by Merlin, were collected there, Grace
exclaimed--

"See! see! there is a white spot in the horizon!"

We all looked towards it.

"I fear it is a line of foam-crested seas," said Oliver. "See! it
extends far on either side. It is caused by a hurricane, which is
sweeping towards us."

"Oh, but I am sure there is a sail too!" said Grace. "Look again,
Oliver. If you shade your eyes, you will see it rising above the f