d we eagerly looked out for a sail; but not a
speck could be seen above the horizon. Eastward was a haze, which Ben
asserted indicated land; and Boxall, who had before been on the coast,
agreed with him, though he said it was a long way off. No remark was
made about the non-appearance of a vessel; we could not trust ourselves
to speak on the subject.

Slowly the sun got higher in the sky, and the outline of the land, as
his rays dissipated the mist, became more distinct. This encouraged us
once more to attempt gaining it. Boxall and Halliday took their turn at
the paddles; but as we could not venture to shift places, they were
unable to make so much use of the pieces of wood as Ben and I were, who
were seated at either end. As we were paddling on we caught sight of
some spars floating at a little distance on one side. We made towards
them, and found an oar and boat-hook.

"These may serve us as a mast and yard; we must manage to make a sail
with our handkerchiefs and shirts, and then, when the sea-breeze sets
in, we shall make more progress," said Boxall.

Having secured the boat-hook and oar, we soon fastened our handkerchiefs
and shirts together; and the breeze setting in shortly afterwards, we
went skimming along at a much greater rate than at first. It again fell
calm, however, and we were left as before, scarcely moving unless we
used our paddles. The heat, as may be supposed, was very great; and
what would we not have given for a few pints of water! We should have
infinitely preferred that precious fluid to the choicest of wines.

CHAPTER TWO.

CAST ON A SAND-BANK--OUR SUFFERINGS FROM THIRST--A HAPPY DISCOVERY.

Boxall did his uttermost, by his cheerful conversation, to keep up our
spirits; but we were little inclined to talk, and sometimes we sat for
an hour together without speaking, when his remarks would arouse us.
Boxall was one of those quiet, unpretending men who can dare and do
great things without making a boast of it, and at the same time endure
trial and suffering without complaining. He did not tell us his
thoughts, but we might have supposed that he felt certain of being
preserved, so calm and even cheerful did he appear.

Halliday was an excellent fellow, who had never, that I know of, done an
unworthy action; but he was apt to take things as he found them, and not
to look far beyond the present. When with merry companions, he was as
merry and happy as any of them; but if in sed