n the raft.
Some loose sails were thrown in, provisions of every kind added, and as
there was room for treble the number of men on the floating spars,
several heavy cases, the contents of which were known only to the
captain, were stowed away on the raft.

Night came on, and one by one the stars shone out. A long gentle swell
was all that remained of the late storm, and the brig, barely rising to
it, rolled clumsily and heavily. The men had behaved well. There had
been a question raised, when they were tired of the pumps, and found
that, work as hard as they might, it was useless, of breaking into the
spirit-room; it had been soon disposed of, however, and each and all had
worked cheerfully.

Crew and passengers were on deck. Isabel had been speaking in a
pleading tone, while the dark mass of timber alongside was as yet not
tenanted.

"I cannot bear to think of what remains of my poor father being left
here. We are close to land; let me, at least, see him laid to rest in
African soil."

"Dearest Isabel, your wish is law to me, and the desire is a natural
though I think a wrong one. We don't know when we may reach land, and
the sad sight will but increase your grief. Believe me, dearest, it is
useless."

Isabel looked up into her husband's face.

"My first request," she murmured.

The look was irresistible; and Hughes walked forward to where Captain
Weber stood, among his crew, completing his last dispositions.

"Captain Weber, can we not take the remains of Dom Maxara on shore for
burial?"

"What use will it be? The old barky, with all she contains, will soon
be at the bottom of the sea, and so much of my future and hopes go with
her, that I should not much care if I went also."

"Still, it is the daughter's wish," urged Hughes.

The men stood grouped around on the deck, the pumps had been left, and
the brig was rolling so heavily on the swell that it was time to leave
her.

"Well, well! be it as you wish. Here, Anderson, and you, Forrest, come
here;" and the seaman gave his directions.

The two sailors hesitated. They joined their comrades. A low whispered
conversation ensued. He who had been called Forrest stepped forward,
and scratching off his tarpaulin, twisted it in his hands.

"Well, what is it, Forrest?" asked the captain.

"Please your honour, if so be as I may make bold, we've had a run of ill
luck of late."

"I know that, none better; but what has that got to do with you?"