and if we don't, we
shan't. So work away, boy, work away!" The lieutenant declared
afterwards that he believed the boys would have continued heaving water
overboard until the sea had got up to their necks, and the ship was
going down.

As the _Empress_ approached the island, sail was shortened, her way
stopped, that the lead might be hove; but no soundings were found. She
therefore kept at a respectful distance, cautiously steering round to
the lee side, with the lead constantly going, lest she might run against
any reef below the water. The outline of the island could only dimly be
seen rising high out of the ocean against a clear sky. It looked barren
and forlorn enough. As Adair and his officers, and indeed all who could
find time, were eagerly watching it, a light was seen suddenly to burst
forth. It gradually increased, until what must have been a large fire
was observed blazing on a height.

"There are inhabitants, at all events," exclaimed Adair to the first
lieutenant.

"There is one, any way," said the latter, "or that fire could not have
been lighted. Perhaps there is a harbour, and he expects that it will
serve as a beacon to us."

"He would scarcely suppose that we would venture in without some one on
board who knows it, unless there are no dangers in the way," answered
the captain. "Our only safe plan will be to bring up outside, and wait
till daylight. We will stand in as close as we can--a dozen fathoms, if
possible."

The leadsmen stood in the chains on either side, swinging the leads high
in the air as they hove them. The ship appeared already very close
before any bottom could be found. Slowly she stood on. The first heave
showed twenty fathoms, the next fourteen, when it seemed as if the ship
was directly under the cliffs. But the more experienced seamen knew
that the darkness was deceptive.

"Let go!" shouted Adair, and the anchor ran out. The ship quickly
brought up, and Adair hoped that, now she was at rest, the water would
run in with less rapidity, though it would still be necessary to keep
the crew steadily pumping away.

For the first time for several nights Adair turned in, desiring to be
called should any event of importance occur. When he awoke, he had the
satisfaction of hearing that the crew had gained six inches on the leak,
though, from any relaxation of their efforts, the water would quickly
have flowed in again.

All hands anxiously waited for daylight. The