ch we may obtain as much fresh water as
we require."

"A capital idea," exclaimed Tom. "I didn't think of that."

"`Necessity is the mother of invention,'" answered the doctor. "I never
worked as a smith, but I know the principles on which a still is
constructed, and I hope that I shall be able to put one up; if, however,
we can find water, we may be saved the trouble, and employ our labour
for other purposes."

As they would have no time on board to spare for cooking, Tom had a
supply of food, sufficient for a couple of days, put up, with a bottle
of water and a few cocoa-nuts, in case they might be unable to get at
the water on board. Thus laden with the materials for repairing the
boat, they went back to where she lay, accompanied by Billy. Tom had
begged the doctor to light a fire at night, in case the weather should
come on bad and they might have to return sooner than they intended.

Desmond's plan was carried out. Bird had brought some oakum, which was
forced in between the seams with a chisel, and as the party surveyed
their work, they had reason to hope that the boat would at all events
swim.

They watched the result, however, with no little anxiety, as, having run
her down the beach, she was once more afloat. She leaked slightly, but
Desmond declared that it was not through the place where she had been
repaired, and they found after getting some distance from the shore that
they could easily bale out the water which made its way in. Tom had
brought the compass, and believing that he knew the bearings of the
wreck, he steered a course which would soon bring them in sight of her.
The sea was so calm that he did not suppose it possible she could have
gone to pieces, and as they pulled on, he looked out eagerly for her.
At length he made out a dark object rising out of the blue sea almost
due west of the island.

"There she is!" he exclaimed; "we shall be on board of her in an hour."

The crew gave way, and in less than the time mentioned they were
alongside. She appeared to be exactly in the condition they had left
her. The boat having been carefully secured, they climbed up her side.
The first thing to be obtained was a cask of fresh water, which they
were fortunate in finding; it was at once got up and placed on deck. It
would take too long to describe the various articles which were
obtained. Among them were the smith's forge, some piping and the
tripod, which the doctor especially asked for