ed bay
between two high projecting points. Running in she brought up within a
quarter of a mile from the shore in perfectly still water. Everybody
was glad enough to be at rest after the tumbling about they had had
during the last few days. They were not allowed, however, to enjoy many
minutes' quiet; all hands were speedily set to work to repair damages.

"We should be thankful that we have escaped so easily," observed Archie
Gordon, who had been surveying the shore through his telescope. "Look
there, Tom, at those tall trees stretched on the ground with their roots
in the air; it must have taken a pretty hard blow to break them down. I
can see some stumps sticking up, showing that others have been snapped
off by the wind. It is a mercy that we weathered it out as well as we
did."

Tom took the glass. "I should have been sorry to have been under them,"
he answered, "and I only hope that no poor fellows were living on shore,
or they would have run great risk of being crushed. It makes me think
of the old song--

"`A strong nor'-wester's blowing, Bill;
Hark I don't ye hear it roar now?
Lord help 'em, how I pities them
Unhappy folks on shore now!'

"I hope the commander will let us take a run on shore, however, before
we sail."

In the course of a couple of days the repairs were nearly finished, but
as there was a good deal of painting to be done, the commander resolved
to remain at anchor another day. Green and the second lieutenant had
been employed during the time in surveying the island, but their surveys
were not complete.

"I say, Gerald, we must get our trip some way or other," said Tom to
Desmond. "You'd be the better for a run ashore, and I'm sure, if you
suggested the idea to the doctor, he will say so, and get Mr Mildmay to
let us have a boat."

Gerald followed Tom's advice.

"Of course, my boy," answered the good-natured doctor; "if you find
anything curious, remember to bring it off for me."

"That I will, sir," said Tom.

The doctor having spoken to the first lieutenant, Tom went up boldly and
asked for the use of the jolly-boat.

"You can have her; but remember you must be on board again in good
time," answered Mr Mildmay.

Tom and his party were quickly ready, carrying some fishing-lines, as
well as some baskets to bring off any wild fruit they might happen to
find. Tom and Gerald were below making their preparations, when Billy
Blueblazes came out of the gun-room.

"