ed at the oars, as those
who struggle for life. Occasionally, when lifted on the crest of a
wave, we caught a transient glimpse of a smooth expanse of water beyond
the foaming line of surf, and extending from the inner edge of the reef,
to the shore of the island. The tall tops of the palms bordering the
beach, seemed scarcely a stone's throw distant and you could fancy that,
but for the roar of the breakers, you might hear the rustling of their
long, drooping leaves; but it only added to the horror of our situation,
to see that safe and peaceful haven, so near, yet so inaccessible.

In some places the reef rose quite out of the water; in others, it was,
in nautical phrase, "all awash;" but nowhere could we attempt a landing
with safety. All the while, too, it was evident that in spite of our
desperate exertions, we were being driven nearer and nearer the
breakers. This kind of work had continued almost an hour, when our
strength began to fail.

"There appears to be no use in this, comrades," said Browne, at last;
"had we not better just let her go upon the reef, and take our chance of
being able to get to the shore?"

"O, no!" exclaimed Arthur, earnestly, "that is too desperate."

"We shall be so completely exhausted that we shan't be able to make an
effort for our lives, when at last we are carried into the surf,"
answered Browne, "and we must come to that sooner or later."

"I hope not--there is reason to hope not," rejoined Arthur, "but if so,
we may as well be exhausted, as fresh; no strength will be of any avail;
we shall be crushed and mangled upon the rocks; or if by any possibility
some of us should reach the shore, what is to become of our poor, sick
Johnny?"

"I will look after him," said Browne, "I will pledge myself that he
shan't be lost, unless I am too."

"Let us hold out a few moments yet," implored Arthur; "I will take your
oar; you are the only one who has not been relieved."

"No," said Browne, "you had better keep the helm; I can stand it a while
longer, and I will pull until we are swept upon the reef; if you all
think that the best plan."

It was barely possible that if we should now act as Browne proposed, we
might be carried clear off the reef into the lagoon beyond, for we were
opposite a sunken patch, upon which there was more water than at other
places. Failing of this, the boat would inevitably be dashed to pieces;
but still, if not bruised and disabled among the rocks, or car