, though much
damaged by salt water. Altogether they were well satisfied with the
provisions they had discovered.

At noon an observation True Blue took showed that they had drifted a
considerable way to the southward, and that it might still take them a
long time to reach Jamaica. The rudder also was found to be much
injured, the rudder-head being split through the centre, as low down as
the upper pintle. It was with the greatest difficulty that it could be
kept together, or the tiller held in its place. It was therefore very
evident that it would be necessary to husband the provisions and water
with the greatest care, as they could not expect to avoid having a long
voyage, and might be reduced to very short commons before the end of it.

For three days the weather was fine. On the second day a spar floated
alongside, which they secured, and forthwith fitted as a mainmast; a
storm-jib which had been discovered was hoisted on it as a sail. It
stood pretty well; and now, as the schooner moved with some liveliness
through the water, the spirits of all on board revived.

"Ah, now, if that poor Dane had borne up like a man and clung to the
ship, he might have been as well and happy as any of us," observed Tom
to Fid as they were together setting up the fore-rigging. "Remember,
Tim, whatever happens, never despair. It's wicked and unmanly--not like
a true British sailor; and that's what I hope you will consider yourself
all the days of your life."

Tom was, as it proved, over sanguine. The following day, once more the
wind got up, as did the sea, and the helpless schooner lay battered and
knocked about by its fury. The fractured rudder-head continually gave
way, and, it being impossible to keep the helm properly down, the vessel
fell off before the wind, and several heavy seas broke on board,
reducing her almost to the same condition in which she had been before.

For two whole days she lay tossed and buffeted; more of her bulwarks
were stove in, and the companion hatch received so tremendous a blow
from a sea that it was nearly carried away. Had this occurred, the only
place of shelter in the vessel would have been destroyed.

During all this trying time, True Blue was the life and soul of the
little band. Though others gave way, he kept up his spirits, and
cheered and endeavoured to animate them. Even Paul desponded; but True
Blue was ever ready to offer some encouraging suggestion. The gale soon
must c