horizon.

A hearty cheer burst from the missionary's lips, and it was taken up by
all on board. The men, however, did not evince much satisfaction. They
were sorry, it may be, after all to change a life of idleness for one of
toil; or they knew, perhaps, that the passing sail might not come near.

However this might be, certain it is, that after gazing on the white
speck which told of coming help, one after another sat down in a dogged,
sullen manner, as though they cared little about the matter.

Grouped round the entrance to the little cabin, Captain Weber, his mate,
and passengers began the midday meal, and it was a more cheerful one
than usual. Provisions were plentiful, and Mr Lowe had reported the
strange sail to be nearing them rapidly.

"She is working to the southward on a wind," remarked he; "and if she
makes a long leg will run us slap aboard."

"See the union jack set over our mainsail, Mr Lowe," returned the
captain, "it will not help us along much, but will make us more easily
seen. They don't keep a very bright look-out on board yonder craft,
I'll be bound."

"Ay, ay, sir. Come, my lads, make sail on the frigate," said the mate,
laughing, "we'll soon run yonder fellow aboard."

The flag was hoisted, the whole party watching anxiously. The sun shone
brightly on the white canvas of a full-rigged ship, which was coming
bows on towards them. At the door of the rude cabin Isabel sat, her
hand clasped in that of her lover-husband, her head resting on his
shoulder, and her eyes intently fixed on the ship.

"How beautiful she looks as she heels over to the breeze," she murmured.
"Surely, they see us now."

"The ship is more than ten knots away," replied Captain Weber, "and if
even the look-out saw us, and most probably there is none, we should
only be taken for a gull or albatross."

"Could we not make them hear us?" asked Isabel.

"Impossible," replied the master; "but we will try. Now my lads, a good
hearty cheer," he shouted. "Hip! hip! hurrah! One cheer more; fancy
yourselves at the Jolly Tar in Portsmouth Harbour. Hooray! Why, I have
heard you make twice the row when I wanted you to knock off shouting,"
he said, as the cheer died away. In point of fact, the crew seemed too
idle even to exert themselves for their own safety.

"See," said Isabel, "see, they hear us!" and she clasped her hands
together as she spoke with delight.

Captain Weber and his mate knew better. There were, i