nd the chairs on their backs,
secured to it. They managed to wrench off two of the cabin doors, and
these, nailed down and lashed across the raft, raised the deck and
increased its strength. Besides the chairs, there were some strong
stools in the cabin. These they nailed down at each corner, and secured
them also by lashings, with their legs up. They then passed ropes round
the legs, thus forming a sort of bulwark that might save them from being
washed off the raft. They had still much to do after this before the
raft would be complete. They wanted a couple of chests in which to keep
their provisions, a cask for water, a mast and sails, and oars, and
blankets to keep them warm at night. They had been some time at work,
and the water was already over the cabin floor. Any attempt to save the
vessel was now hopeless. Harry, happening to look up, saw what, had he
been on the watch, he would have observed long before, a large ship,
under a press of sail, at no great distance. Was the wreck seen by
those on board? If so, their prospect of escape was greatly improved.
They hoped that they were seen, for although they were thankful that
they had had time to form a raft, they knew well that at best it was a
perilous means of support, that it might be upset or dashed to pieces,
or that they might float about on it unseen till all their provisions
and water were exhausted, and then die of starvation and thirst. They
earnestly hoped, therefore, that they might be seen from the passing
ship. They had reserved a short spar as a mast for the raft. To this
they fastened a flag, and secured it to the mainmast. So occupied were
they, indeed, in watching the stranger, that for a few minutes they
forgot to go on with their raft, till recalled by old Jefferies to
continue the important work. They had now to search for some chests.
They had seen several in the fore peak. It was with a degree of awe,
perhaps not altogether free from fear, that they again went to where the
dead seaman lay. They quickly cut two chests clear of the lashings
which secured them, and were emptying them of their contents, when they
came upon a box or case, the size of an ordinary writing-case. It was
of foreign manufacture, and secured with strong brass bands. When
taking it out with other things, Harry heard a sound like the chink of
money within. He shook it. There was no doubt about the matter.
"We'll keep it. It may be useful, and it is our