fore, but was uncertain which way she
was steering, and he had not forgotten a caution given to him by Paul--
never to raise hopes when there is a likelihood of their being
disappointed.

The sea had for some time been decreasing; but there was still so much
that a boat would run considerable risk in boarding the wreck. It was
soon proved that True Blue was right. The stranger was steering towards
them. On she came. She was a brig, and showed English colours.

A cheer rose from the deck of the waterlogged vessel. The brig came
down in gallant style; but she gave evident signs that she also had been
battling with the gale. Her bulwarks were shattered, and not a boat was
to be seen on board. Her flag showed her to be a packet. A
fine-looking man stood in the main-rigging.

The midshipmen shouted, "We are going down, we fear. Can you render
assistance?"

"Ay, ay--that I will!" answered the master of the packet. "I will run
alongside you. Stand by to leap on board!"

The least experienced of the party saw the great risk the packet was
running by this proceeding; for a send of the sea might easily have
driven the wreck against her and stove in her upper works. This
consideration did not deter the gallant sailor from his act of mercy.
He made a signal as he approached, that he would pass the wreck on the
larboard quarter. The Frenchman and the black were told that they must
help their wounded shipmate. Tom and True Blue begged that they might
take charge of Paul, while the rest were to leap on board the instant
the vessels' sides touched. The midshipmen and the two boys wanted to
stay and help Paul, but he would not hear of this.

"No, no," he answered; "if we talk about it, no one will be saved; and
if I am left on board, I shall be no worse off than we all have been
till now."

The packet tacked. Now she stood down towards the wreck. The sides of
the two vessels touched. The midshipmen and two boys leaped on board.
So did the Frenchman and the black; they made a pretence of helping
their comrade, it seemed. They placed him on the bulwarks of the wreck,
and then, when safe themselves, they were about to regain their hold of
him; but the poor wretch lost his balance, and with a cry of horror fell
between the two vessels. The two men looked over the side with stupid
dismay, abusing each other; but their unfortunate comrade had sunk for
ever from their sight.

Meanwhile Tom and True Blue had made a