n one side. Seeing,
however, that Billy had got beyond its reach, it once more came
galloping towards them, singling out Jerry, who was the most conspicuous
object, for its attack. Tom waited until it got within twelve feet,
when he fired. The bullet hit the animal, but did not stop it. Jerry
sprang on one side to avoid its charge, and then drove his boat-hook
into its neck, bearing it to the ground. On this Tim and Desmond sprang
forward, and, before it could again rise, dealt it several heavy strokes
with their axes, preventing it from committing any further mischief.

"Hurrah; you've finished the baste, I hope," cried Pat, who had been
watching the proceedings from his bough, and now came hurrying forward.

"I'd somehow or other missed a couple of pigs, when I caught sight of
this big fellow taking a snooze in the sun. I was creeping up to him,
when he opened his wicked eyes, and if I hadn't taken to my heels he
would have had his tusks through and through me. At last I stopped
behind a free and gave him a shot; but he didn't mind it at all, at all,
by reason that the bullet flew over his head, and I had again to run for
it. However, `All's well that ends well,' and, sure, we will be having
him for supper, with the greatest pleasure in the world."

After this specimen of rat's sportsmanlike qualities, Tom resolved not
to trust him with the musket again, as it was necessary carefully to
husband their powder and shot. As, however, Pat possessed very good
qualifications for a butcher, he was left to cut up the boar, while the
rest of the party returned to the boat, he being directed to rejoin them
as soon as he had secured the joints.

Digging out the boat was severe labour, as to prevent the sand slipping
back it had to be thrown several feet on either side of the boat. They
then had to cut a channel down to the water. Tom soon saw that they
could not hope to get their boat afloat for another whole day at the
soonest. Diligently as they worked, the sun was sinking rapidly towards
the horizon before the boat was free of sand. They examined her
anxiously, fearing that her sides might have been forced out; but, as
far as they could ascertain, she had received no material injury.

"We must take another look-out for the ship, before it gets dark,"
exclaimed Tom; and he and Desmond set off to ascend the hill, from
whence they could obtain an extensive view of the ocean around them. In
vain they strained the