a hand; and I
calculate that we have emptied two hundred gallons at least, and that's
something, sir."

"Well done, my boy," answered the lieutenant. "I'll not forget you and
Ned. Who knows but that you and he have kept out the last hundred
gallons which might have sent her to the bottom?" Some time afterwards
they were found still working away, though Tommy confessed that "his
arms were aching considerably, and that he should be very glad when they
could stop the leak."

Men with sharp eyes were sent to the mast-head, to look out for Virginia
Island. It was uncertain whether it was a high rocky a fertile island,
or little better than a sand-bank. Should it be the first and correctly
laid down, the master hoped that it might at any moment be seen; but
should it prove to be a low island, it might not become visible until
they were close upon it. Then again came the question, was it laid down
correctly? Adair, though he had assured his crew that they ought to be
there before night, was not quite satisfied on that point. Hitherto the
men had laboured away bravely, but some of the weaker and less spirited
began to show signs of fatigue; and the instant they were relieved,
threw themselves on the deck as though utterly incapable of further
exertion. Some of the men, indeed, actually sank down at the pumps, but
others took their places, and the doctor went round to the exhausted
ones, giving them stimulants, and urging them to fresh exertions.
Several, however, when it came again to their turn to pump or hand up
the buckets, declared that they were unable to move. It was important
to maintain discipline; at the same time the first lieutenant, who went
among them, was unwilling to use harsh measures. Suddenly he
recollected Tommy Pratt. Taking one of the men, he showed him where the
young midshipman and his companion were still working away with their
big water jugs, running up and down as nimble as squirrels.

"They have been at that work for the last eight hours, to my certain
knowledge," said the lieutenant. "Are you, a big, strong man, not
ashamed of yourself?"

"Yes, I am," was the answer; and, rousing up the other men, they all
again set to work without further grumbling.

"I was sure the example of those youngsters would do good," observed the
lieutenant to Captain Adair. "Not only have they baled out several
hundred gallons, but through their gallant conduct many thousands
probably will be pumped o