g to what he knew was wise, was
advised by his more timid companions, and replied that he would give
them a little pork and water provided they should remain quiet. I told
Boxall; who desired me to warn him that he was acting very imprudently,
as they would be sure to ask for more. He persisted, however; and
telling the men to come for their rations, he gave each a small measure
of water and a piece of pork. On this, several who had remained neutral
joined them, and also insisted on receiving their rations. Being
supported by the mutineers, the rest of the people very naturally cried
out that they must have their share,--fearing that otherwise the
mutineers would get the whole of it.

Scarcely had the distribution been made, when the mutineers again
demanded another supply.

"We must be firm, or, finding that they can overawe us, they will insist
on doing whatever they please," said Boxall.

The carpenter could not fail to see the wisdom of this advice, and
replied that not another drop of water or particle of food would be
served out till the next morning. The mutineers received the answer in
sullen silence, making at the time no movement; and we began to hope
that they would remain quiet. As, however, they soon again felt the
gnawings of hunger, they began to talk together in low voices; and,
influenced by the instincts of savage beasts, they seemed determined to
take by force what they wanted.

Their leader, starting up, cried out,--"It's time to have more food;
come, Mr Carpenter, give it to us at once."

"Be quiet, friends; you know that is impossible," was the mild reply.

It failed to influence them, however; and drawing their knives, with
which most of them were armed, they sprang towards us. Just at that
moment some one at the other end of the raft shouted out,--"A sail! a
sail!" The welcome sound arrested even the savage wretches, and,
sheathing their knives, they looked round in the direction in which the
man was pointing. We cast our eyes towards the spot. There could be no
doubt that there was a sail, but I saw at once that it must be a very
small vessel, or a boat. I thought it best, however, not to tell the
Spaniards this.

The mutineers sat down, looking out towards the sail. Though the
prospect of relief was sufficient, one might have supposed, to arouse
every one, yet so weak and dispirited were many of the Spaniards, that
they scarcely moved from their positions, but sat, as before