e possess can only,
with the greatest economy, last us two or three weeks," remarked Owen.

The mate did not reply, but shortly afterwards, going to one of the
casks, took a large draught of water. His thirst seemed insatiable--
again and again he applied his mouth to the cask--had it contained
spirits he would have done the same, and would speedily have become as
tipsy as before. Owen was thankful that such was not the case, but
regretted having told the mate, who had thus exhibited his utter
selfishness, of the two casks concealed in the sand. He resolved at
length to appeal to the men, and to advise them to insist that an equal
and limited allowance of water should be served out to each person, a
measure absolutely necessary for the preservation of their lives. Bill
Pratt, to whom he first spoke, agreed to this, as did the rest, and Bill
undertook to be the spokesman. The mate was overawed, and having drunk
as much water as he just then required, sulkily agreed to the proposal.

Happily, in a short time, another large cloud was seen coming up with
the wind, the last, apparently, of the vast mass which had lately
overhung the sand-bank; the casks were got ready, the cloth stretched
out. Anxiously the shipwrecked seamen gazed at the approaching cloud.
The rain was seen falling into the sea. Would it cease before it
reached them? On it slowly came. They could hear the precious rain as
it reached the ocean. In another instant down it came upon them. The
casks were filled. With proper economy they would have enough water to
last them for many a day. How to repair the boat was the next question.
The tools and nails which Owen and Nat had saved had been left at the
camp, and, too probably, had been washed away. Unless they could find
some more tools in one of the chests thrown up they could scarcely hope
to fit the boat for sea. There were spars and planks enough, but they
could not shape them with their knives alone for the purpose. They
searched in vain, however, and found only a few nails sticking in some
of the planks, but not a tool of any description. Nat had set out to
look along the beach, while the rest of the party were consulting about
the boat. He made his way in the direction of the camp.

As the tide had now fallen to its usual level, the intermediate ground
was perfectly dry. He had been absent for some time. The mate directed
the rest of the party to collect all the spars, planks, and co