s much too high in
the cabin to have allowed them to escape, and he returned aft convinced
of their death.

For some hours no one had thought of eating, but hunger now reminded
them that it was necessary to try and obtain food. There was enough in
the vessel, if it could be got at; but the difficulty was to fish it up
from beneath the water.

In vain they watched--nothing appeared. True Blue, who was the most
active, made several unsuccessful dives; but returned at length so
exhausted that Paul would not let him go again.

At last a flag floated up. It seemed to come to remind them that it
would be wise to make a signal of distress. A small spar had got jammed
in the bulwarks. The flag, which proved to be a French tricolour, was
secured to it, and it was stuck in one of the pumps.

"I would rather see any ensign but that flying overhead," said Paul;
"but it will help to make us be seen, anyhow."

The night again returned, and during the whole of it they remained in
the same miserable condition that they had been in all day, the sea
raging as furiously, and the wind blowing as high as before.

The first thing in the morning, True Blue volunteered with Harry to go
and cut the foremast adrift. An axe had been found. Together the two
worked their way forward. Having secured themselves by ropes, they set
to work, True Blue with his axe, Harry with his knife. Now they were
completely covered with the seas which broke over the bows; again they
rose and drew breath, and made a few more desperate hacks, again to be
impeded by the next roaring surge. Several shrouds, however, had been
severed. Another sea, fiercer than ever, came rushing on.

A cry from Harry made True Blue turn round. The greedy wave was
whirling him away, when True Blue grasped him by the arm and drew him
once more on board, when he more firmly secured himself.

"We must not give in, though!" cried True Blue, and went on hacking at
the ropes.

Again Harry joined him, and at length the heavy mast went floating away
free of the schooner. Successful in their bold attempt, they returned
aft. Hunger was now an enemy much to be feared; for among all the
articles which kept continually appearing and disappearing from the
cabin, nothing fit for food had been discovered. At last two or three
roots appeared. Fid, who was on the watch, made a dart at them, and,
fishing them up, declared them to be onions; so they were. Several
others followed,