at some distance; but, once there, they could choose a more elevated
couch, on which they could recline undisturbed till the morning.

Such was their belief, conceived the instant after they had
got upon their legs. It was soon followed by another,--another
consternation,--which, if not so sudden as the first was, perhaps, ten
times more intense.

On turning their faces towards what they believed to be the land, there
was no land in sight,--neither sand-hills, nor shore, nor even the
narrow tongue upon whose tip they had been trusting themselves! There
was nothing visible but water; and even this was scarce discernible at
the distance of six paces from where they stood. They could only tell
that water was around them, by hearing it hoarsely swishing on every
side, and seeing through the dim obscurity the strings of white froth
that floated on its broken surface.

It was not altogether the darkness of the night that obscured their
view; though this was of itself profound. It was a thick mist, or fog,
that had arisen over the surface of the ocean, and which enveloped their
bodies; so that, though standing almost close together, each appeared to
the others like some huge spectral form at a distance!

To remain where they were, was to be swallowed up by the sea. There
could be no uncertainty about that; and therefore no one thought of
staying a moment longer on the point of the sand-spit, now utterly
submerged.

But in what direction were they to go? That was the question that
required to be solved before starting; and in the solution of which,
perhaps, depended the safety of their lives.

We need scarce say perhaps. Rather might we say, for certain. By taking
a wrong direction they would be walking into the sea,--where they would
soon get beyond their depth, and be in danger of drowning. This was all
the more likely, that the wind had been increasing ever since they had
laid down to rest, and was now blowing with considerable violence.
Partly from this, and partly by the tidal influence, big waves had
commenced rolling around them; so that, even in the shoal water where
they stood, each successive swell was rising higher and higher against
their bodies.

There was no time to be lost. They must find the true direction for the
shore, and follow it,--quickly too; or perish amid the breakers!

CHAPTER V.

A FALSE GUIDE.

Which way to the shore?

That was the question that arose to the lips of all.

You