o-morrow to carry us to the shore, though I
hope it will remain calm as at present until then," thought Tom. He
very frequently had the greatest difficulty in keeping his eyes open,
but he succeeded. He calculated that it was about midnight when he went
below, and finding that it was time, roused up Gerald. "Do not let
sleep overtake you, old fellow," he said. "I found it a hard matter to
keep my eyes open."

"Yes, but mine have been shut for four hours," said Desmond. "I'll look
after the ship, and depend upon it as soon as my watch is out I'll rouse
up Jerry."

The middle watch passed away as calmly as the first, and Jerry, after
taking a look round, declared his belief that the day would be as fine
as the former. According to Tom's orders, all hands were aroused at
daybreak, and they immediately set to work on the raft, which was
completed and launched overboard before they knocked off for breakfast.
Empty casks were then got under it, and masts set up. As the wind was
fair, they had only to rig a couple of large lugs, which answered every
purpose. They had next to load their raft; the water was perfectly
smooth, and it was hauled under the side, where this was easily done,
though they had to lower many of the heavier articles on it with a
tackle. Tom directed Desmond and Jerry to go ahead in the boat, while
Billy and Pat remained on board to help with the raft. As the day
advanced, a steady breeze arose, and the raft, heavy as it was, made
great progress, helped by the boat, towards the shore. As towards
evening they neared the beach, they saw their companions anxiously
waiting for them. The doctor's face looked even longer than usual.

"What's the matter?" asked Tom, as he shook hands.

"We have found no water," answered the doctor; "and if you have not
brought materials for making a still, we are doomed."

"But I hope we have brought everything you want, doctor," replied Tom.

"Thank Heaven! our lives may then be preserved," said the doctor. "I
was almost afraid to ask the question."

"We have got even more than we expected," said Desmond; "and should the
weather hold fine, we may hope, in the course of two or three trips, to
get wood enough for our proposed craft."

There was no time for talking, however. All hands set to work to unload
the raft; the doctor, who was now in better spirits, hauling away with
might and main, to get the more heavy articles up the beach before dark.
Not only was