ficult) of lashing them together into
a firm framework, about forty feet long and twenty-five feet wide, upon
which the platform was to be supported.

I kept my own place steadily at the pumps, and Andre Letourneur worked
at my side; I often noticed his father glance at him sorrowfully, as
though he wondered what would become of him if he had to struggle with
waves to which even the strongest man could hardly fail to succumb. But
come what may, his father will never forsake him, and I myself shall not
be wanting in rendering him whatever assistance I can.

Mrs. Kear, who had been for some time in a state of drowsy
unconsciousness, was not informed of the immediate danger, but when
Miss Herbey, looking somewhat pale with fatigue, paid one of her flying
visits to the deck, I warned her to take every precaution for herself
and to be ready for any emergency.

"Thank you, doctor, I am always ready," she cheerfully replied, and
returned to her duties below. I saw Andre follow the young girl with his
eyes, and a look of melancholy interest passed over his countenance.

Towards eight o'clock in the evening the framework for the raft was
almost complete, and the men were lowering empty barrels, which had
first been securely bunged, and were lashing them to the wood-work to
insure its floating.

Two hours later and suddenly there arose the startling cry, "We are
sinking! we are sinking!"

Up to the poop rushed Mr. Kear, followed immediately by Falsten and Miss
Herbey, who were bearing the inanimate form of Mrs. Kear. Curtis ran to
his cabin, instantly returning with a chart; a sextant, and a compass in
his hand.

The scene that followed will ever be engraven in my memory; the cries of
distress, the general confusion, the frantic rush of the sailors towards
the raft that was not yet ready to support them, can never be forgotten.
The whole period of my life seemed to be concentrated into that terrible
moment when the planks bent below my feet and the ocean yawned beneath
me.

Some of the sailors had taken their delusive refuge in the shrouds, and
I was preparing to follow them when a hand was laid upon my shoulder.
Turning round I beheld M. Letourneur, with tears in his eyes, pointing
towards his son. "Yes, my friend," I said, pressing his hand, "we will
save him, if possible."

But Curtis had already caught hold of the young man, and was hurrying
him to the main-mast shrouds, when the "Chancellor," which had been
scudd