l attempt to take
her over the bar. It is a question whether we shall succeed, and I am
very loth to lose her, but the risk must be run."

"No doubt about that, sir," answered the carpenter. "If she once
strikes on that bar, she'll never get off again, except piecemeal; but
that's better than going to the bottom."

Although, besides the marines, a good many men had been landed, a
sufficient number remained to work the pumps, watch and watch, and Adair
and Desmond set an example by labouring with them, as they had before
done. That night was as trying a one, to the captain at all events, as
any yet passed. To-morrow must decide the fate of the ship, whether she
would be cast a helpless wreck on the reef or be carried into smooth
water and beached on a spot where it might be possible to repair her.
Besides, her upper works were strong and sound, but below she was too
evidently of a very different character, like many another fine-looking
craft. Morning came at length. Adair urged Saint Maur to go on shore.

"I don't hide from myself that crossing the bar will be an undertaking
of considerable danger--some, if not all of us, may be lost," said the
captain. "I want you to return home to assume your title and property,
and to enjoy your life for many years, and to benefit the peasantry on
your estate by doing all the good you can. I am getting on in life, and
at the best cannot expect to enjoy many more."

Nothing, however, that the captain could say would induce the young lord
to quit the ship.

"I know the bar as well as any one. There exists a channel, though a
narrow one, through which I think I can take her," he answered.

Adair at last consented; preparations were made for crossing the
dangerous spot. Adair ordered the men to take breakfast, and then all
went to their stations. The whole of the crew were on deck except the
engineers, who of course had to remain below attending to the engines.
There was no time to be lost, for already the water in the hold had
risen higher than it had ever done before. Steam was got up. The
engineer reported that all was ready below. Two of the best hands were
sent to the wheel. The crew stood some forward, some aft, where most of
the officers were stationed. Desmond took his post by the side of the
captain, whence he could direct the helmsmen. All on board felt it to
be an awful time. Some said that the ship, the moment she touched the
ground, would go to pieces