ed off the steam to prevent the boilers from exploding,
his duty done, appeared on deck to announce to the captain that the
engines had stopped.

"I see that they have," said Adair, smiling, even at the moment so sad
to a captain who had just seen his ship wrecked. The vessel was
evidently immovable, and even had the rollers come in with sufficient
force to lift her, she must have sunk immediately in deep water. Crash
succeeded crash, as the rocks burst through her planks, but not a cheek
blanched, not an eye quailed, not a cry was heard, not a man deserted
his station.

The rollers continued to tumble in, breaking close under her stem, but
failed to wash over her. Adair stood earnestly watching for what would
next take place. At last he was satisfied that the lives committed to
his charge were safe.

"My lads," he exclaimed, "our brave ship will never float again on the
ocean; but you still form her crew, and whether on board or on shore, I
am sure that you will exhibit the same good discipline you have hitherto
maintained. We will now turn to again and get all we can out of her.
We may be discovered and taken off in a few weeks, or we may have to
remain months here. As we must be prepared for the latter alternative,
we must husband our provisions and stores. I hear that the harbour is
full of fish, and that there are goats on the island, and, what is of
more consequence, that water is to be found, so that we need have no
fear of starving. The rest all depends upon yourselves. We may be a
very happy ship's company if we make the best of everything, or we may
become the contrary if we grumble and are discontented. I don't expect
that of you, and I'm sure we shall all work with a will and look at
things on the bright side."

The crew gave three hearty cheers, and Adair directing the first
lieutenant to summon the boats alongside, all hands turned to in loading
them with the numberless articles which still remained on board. The
most valuable things had already been got out. By the doctor's advice
four main-deck tanks were landed, with the smith's forge and other
apparatus pertaining to his trade, that the engineers might manufacture
a machine for turning salt water into fresh. The sails and ropes were
also sent on shore, and indeed every article likely to prove of service
which the ship contained. The captain and Desmond, with several of the
principal officers, still remained on board, a careful watch b