On we went as before, all day long. "Where were we going?" we asked
ourselves. No one could reply. Food was served out; few had an
inclination to eat. It was fortunate, for we had but a scanty
allowance, and still less to drink--a bottle of rum and a small keg of
water. Another night and a day, and again a night, and one of our
number sank exhausted. Owen still kept up, looking fierce and
determined as ever. Day came, and land appeared right ahead--a high,
rocky, and tree-covered island; but there was a barrier reef round it,
over which the seas, rising with foam-covered summits, beat furiously.
Our utter destruction seemed inevitable. To haul our wind and stand off
was now impracticable. Owen stood up, and, casting a glance around,
steered boldly on. I saw that there was a break in the wall of foam,
but a very narrow one. We had little time for thought before we were
among the raging breakers. A sea came roaring; on. I felt the boat
lifted, and the next moment was struggling with grim death in the yeasty
waters.

Story 8--Chapter 4.

As I came to the surface I caught a glimpse of the shore, and struck out
for it, but it seemed far distant. I swam like a man in his sleep; in
vain, my strength was failing me, a mist came over my eyes, and I could
no longer see the shore, when I felt a powerful hand grasping my
shoulder, and ere long was conscious that I had been hauled out of the
water and placed high up on the warm sand. I opened my eyes at length,
and the first object on which they rested was the vindictive countenance
of Owen, as he gazed at me. I say vindictive, because that was the
expression which had often puzzled me. Yet why should he nourish such
feelings towards me?

"So you are alive, are you?" he remarked, when he saw that I had
regained my consciousness. "It might have been better for you had you
gone with the rest, for we are the only survivors. However, I had too
long a score with you to lose you, if I could bring you on shore safe."

"Then I am indebted to you for my life," I remarked.

"Yes, but the debt is not a heavy one, and you may think me entitled to
very small thanks; for let me tell you your existence here will be no
sinecure. I intend to make you slave and toil for me as you have never
toiled before. At length I have you in my power. Ha, ha, ha!" And he
laughed wildly. "Your wealth will avail you nothing here, your
refinement, your education, your romantic aspira