n. By the
increasing light, however, some people were observed on the rock. Those
on the wreck waved to them. The signal was returned. Some of their
shipmates had thus reached a place of comparative safety. As daylight
increased the wind considerably lessened, but still the heavy surges
continued beating against the wreck.

"Come, lads," cried the boatswain, "we will finish the raft, and get
away from this before the old ship goes to pieces completely."

A second invitation was not required, and all hands set to work with a
will. It was soon finished and launched, but how to guide it to the
rocks was a difficult question.

"Before we shove off we must try and get some provisions and water,"
said Owen, more thoughtful than his companions.

"You are right, youngster," answered Mr Fidd. A cask of water which
had washed up was fortunately secured, as was a tub of butter, a barrel
of salt beef, and another of flour, and some cases containing cheese,
dried fruit, and biscuits.

Here was sufficient food to support the crew for a few days, should they
reach the rocks in safety. There seethed, however, a greet likelihood
of their not doing that, as the raft must inevitably be turned over by
the surf as it reached the rocks, and dashed against them.

"We must find a warp, lads, and then we will do it," cried the
boatswain.

A search was made, and a rope of sufficient length and strength was
discovered. One end was secured to the firmest part of the wreck, the
rest of the coil being thrown on the raft.

"Now, lads, steady," cried the boatswain; "let each man take his place--
four to the paddles, and the rest to stand by the warp to pay it out as
I direct."

The raft was all this time surging up and down, go that the men had no
little difficulty in seating themselves on it. Had there been any
scrambling, many probably would have been washed off. The boatswain
culling them by name, they sprang on to the raft two at a time, and
secured themselves as he directed. Owen and Nat had not been summoned.

"Are we to be left behind?" cried Nat.

"Not if we can help it," said Owen.

Some of the men on the raft were shouting out, "Shove off! shove off!"
Those nearest the wreck got out their knives and cut the ropes which
held it. Owen and Nat rushed across the deck, and were about to spring
on board, when the men who had charge of the warp paid it out, and a
heavy sea sweeping round, carried the raft to a considerab