keeping back
the greater number, and eight of the Frenchmen were safely got on board
the raft, which now at once commenced its return to the shore. Those
who remained on the reef entreated that they might not be deserted,
though they would scarcely believe the promise made by their officer
that he would return for them. The poor men who had been rescued showed
how much they had been suffering by pointing to their parched tongues,
and again and again asking for water.

Captain Williams and his companions exerted themselves to the utmost to
reach the shore. This they at length accomplished, and water was
immediately procured for the thirsty men. Their sufferings might be
those of the whole party, unless great economy was used in distributing
the precious fluid. A small cask was put on the raft, with some cups,
and once more the party set forth to return to the reef, leaving those
who had first landed to the care of their friends on shore. As the raft
again approached the reef, the poor wretches who had been left upon it
were seen stretching out their hands eagerly for water. There was still
great danger lest they might rush down, in their anxiety to obtain it,
and either fall into the water or upset the raft. Much caution was
therefore necessary. The lieutenant and Jacques first leaped on to the
rock, when Captain Williams handed them up the cups of water; but the
first man who got the cup refused to let it leave his lips till he had
drained every drop. Two were seen to fall backward after they had
drunk, and it was with difficulty they were saved from falling into the
sea. Several who were already in a state of delirium, scarcely seemed
to value the boon which had been brought them. In time, however, water
was given to all, and it was now necessary to select those who might be
carried away on the raft, as it would require another trip before all
could be removed. Harry and David looked somewhat anxiously for the
French captain, but neither he nor any of the officers were among those
saved. More than half of the crew, it was evident, had been lost. The
lieutenant did not ask questions; indeed the poor men were not in a
condition to have replied to them.

For the safety of the raft it was necessary to secure the limbs of those
who were in a state of delirium, and it was painful to see them
struggling, as they lay on the raft, not understanding that this was
done for their own safety. The second party were