e something, for the
government are sending out troops and more ships. The Chinese are too
self-conceited to give in without a sound thrashing. By-the-by, have
you told Desmond anything about his prospects?"

"No; I thought it might upset him," answered Tom. "I merely hinted that
you had heard from his uncle that there was a possibility of his
obtaining a fortune, but that there was some uncertainty, and as he did
not cross question me much, I got off without committing myself."

Jack commended Tom's discretion. "It would be better indeed that he
should hear the whole matter from his uncle, who will probably be sent
out to China, where we shall meet him before long," observed Jack.

The ship had run on for a couple of days, the weather continuing calm
and fine, though a favourable breeze would have been acceptable to save
coal. About noon land was sighted on the starboard bow. The master
stated that it was the Island of Dolores, very appropriately so called,
as it consists of a small patch of land rising up amid a collection of
coral reefs, which would prove the destruction of any unfortunate vessel
driven on them. The _Bellona_ had passed along the southern edge of the
group, and the glasses of several of her officers had been turned
towards the land to ascertain its appearance, when, just as they were
leaving it on the starboard quarter, the look-out from aloft hailed the
deck to say there was what appeared to him to be a wreck on an outer
reef off the western side.

The master and second lieutenant, on going aloft, were convinced that
such was the case, and the ship was accordingly headed in that direction
at half speed, a bright look-out being kept for any dangers which might
lie off at a distance from the reef below the water. As soon as the
ship arrived abreast of the wreck, two boats were lowered, and sent off
under the second lieutenant and master to examine and ascertain what she
was, and, if possible, what had become of her crew. Captain Rogers and
Tom went with the first-mentioned officer, and Desmond with the master.
As there appeared to be a channel leading up to the island, Captain
Murray directed the party in the boats, should no persons be found on
board, to make their way to the shore and see whether any people were
there or had been there lately.

The perfect calmness of the sea enabled the boats to get close up. As
they got near, they saw from her shattered condition that it was not
lik