an opportunity of crossing the bar. Many
an eye was turned towards the shore, where a game of leap-frog or some
other amusement could be indulged in, but not a spot appeared on which
they could land. The sun rose higher and higher in the sky, his rays
beating down on their heads and blistering their noses and cheeks, while
the stock of water and other liquids which had been brought rapidly
diminished.

"I hope that we shall be able to get out when the tide rises," said
Desmond to Adair; "if not, I've a notion that we shall be pretty hard
pressed."

"So have I," said Adair; "but it is possible that the bar may remain in
its present state for several days together, and, if so, we shall have
to forage on shore for whatever food we can pick up. It may not be so
easy to find pure water, though."

"For my part, I should be ready to drink ditch-water," exclaimed
Desmond; "I never felt so thirsty in my life."

Many others were in the same condition as Paddy, but no one complained.
A small quantity only remained, which was willingly given up for the use
of the poor wounded men, who of course suffered greatly. Hour after
hour passed by, and anxious eyes were cast at the white wall of surf,
which cut them off from the blue ocean beyond; its summit, dancing and
leaping, glittered brightly in the sun's rays.

At length, the tide rising, the breakers appeared to decrease somewhat
in height. "I think, sir, that I could carry my gig through," said
Murray, "and, if so, the heavier boats may be able to follow."

"You may make the attempt, provided all your people can swim, for your
boat may be swamped," said the commodore; "but as the tide is rising,
you will be drifted back, and we must be ready to pick you up."

"All my boat's crew are good swimmers," said Murray, "but I hope they
will not be compelled to exercise their powers."

Murray, having placed the remainder of the stores, with all unnecessary
weight, on board the larger boats, prepared to make the bold attempt;
Adair and Snatchblock following him, as close as they could venture, to
the inner line of breakers. Standing up and surveying the bar for some
minutes, he at length selected a part where the rollers which came in
from the ocean appeared to break with less violence than on either hand.

"Give way, my lads," he cried suddenly; and the crew bending to their
oars, the boat shot quickly up the foaming side of the first of the
formidable watery hills which had