self, although
neither by word nor look did he show what was passing in his mind.
There were rocks, rather than islands, he knew to the southward, one of
which might possibly be reached, but much depended on the state of the
weather. Should the sea go down, the ship might be kept afloat, but he
could not hope to get back to the Cape nor even to the Mauritius. At
present he could steer no other course than directly before the wind.

On examining the chart, he discovered that about 200 miles off to the
southward of east was a rock marked Virginia Island, but he could not
find any description of it. Whether its sides were precipitous and
could not be scaled, whether low and easy of access, or whether it
possessed a harbour of any description, not a word was said. It might
be a barren rock without water, or any means of affording sustenance to
even a small number of men. He could scarcely expect it to be
otherwise, for in that latitude, he knew, where exposed to the icy
blasts of the southern pole, all vegetation would be stunted if not
destroyed, while he could scarcely entertain a hope that springs
existed. Still it was the nearest land of any description, and land is
eagerly sought for by those on board a foundering ship. He was aware
that other rocks in this latitude were the product of volcanic action,
and that this was so likewise he had little doubt; should such be the
case, it was very improbable that water would be found.

Poor Adair felt his position keenly. Through no fault of his, the lives
of all entrusted to him were placed in jeopardy. Often and often his
thoughts went wandering away to his dear Lucy. Although he would not
have allowed any fear of losing his own life to oppress him, he could
not help dreading the idea of plunging her in grief and exposing her to
long months of anxious suspense. Still his officers, as they watched
his calm countenance and brisk manner, fancied he was as light-hearted
as ever, and some thought that he could not have realised the fearful
position in which they were placed.

They were now running across a little-known sea. The chart showed
dangers, but marked as somewhat uncertain. Still the storm-driven ship
could pursue no other course. A hundred miles at least had yet to be
accomplished before the island they hoped to sight could be reached; but
even should that prove to be correctly marked on the chart, Green had
some doubt about sighting it. The ship might p