In
the cabin of the Captain's steward sat Sam Smatch, holding little True
Blue on his knee. The child's countenance showed that he partook of the
anxiety of all around, and, moreover, that he, too, was suffering from
the want of proper sustenance; the colour had forsaken his cheeks, and
he looked thin and weak. In vain his friends had foraged for him; they
could find nothing but damaged biscuit and salt beef, uncooked. Paul
often thought of making a raft; but out in the Atlantic what would be
the use of that? It might only prolong the child's life for a few
hours, and inflict on it greater sufferings. Still, he said nothing on
the subject.

Again and again the carpenter sounded the well. Each time his report
was more disheartening. The end of September arrived, and there was not
a drop of spirits or water in the ship. Death in another dreadful form
now stared the seamen in the face. Each day the poor feverish wretches
cried out for water to moisten their lips, but none was to be had. Many
died from that want alone, others from starvation.

Each morning the horizon was anxiously scanned, in the hope that some
ship might be in sight to bring them relief. Even an enemy would have
been welcomed, for their condition would have excited the compassion of
their greatest foes.

Daylight, on the 3rd of October, broke. From the report of the
carpenter, the officers knew that the ship could not float many hours
longer; and, like brave men and Christians, they prepared to meet that
death which now seemed inevitable. The day drew on--slight were the
hopes that another would ever dawn on them. A few still refused to give
way to despair. Paul Pringle was among the number. He climbed to the
head of the jury-mast to have another look out. In vain he looked--
still he lingered. Then his eye brightened. "A sail! a sail!" he
shouted. With the most intense eagerness he watched her. "She sees us!
she sees us! she is bearing down on us!" he cried, still remaining at
his post to watch her.

In a short time her hull rose above the horizon, and those on deck could
see her. Many burst into tears, and some fell on their knees on deck,
and thanked Heaven that assistance had been sent them. Still their
anxiety was great, for even before the stranger could get up to them the
ship might go down.

"Well!" cried Paul Pringle, seizing little True Blue and holding him in
his arms, "if she does, I'll have a swim for it, and save