where we are?" he asked of Petersen.

"I've no idea," was the answer. "Somewhere near the West Indies, or
maybe we're right in them now for all I know."

"Then we'll soon find land," said Fred as cheerfully as was possible
under the circumstances.

"I hope it isn't the land that's at the bottom of the ocean," said
George.

"Don't be so pessimistic, Pop," urged Fred. "What's the matter with you
lately?"

"Nothing. We're in a bad fix, that's all."

"Look out for this wave!" warned Grant suddenly as a great mountain of
water loomed up behind them.

The little boat was driven along at the speed of a race horse for many,
many yards, but fortunately she remained right side up. The four boys
managed their oars skillfully and Petersen steered marvelously. Now and
then some water was shipped but aside from that no harm came to them.

Gradually the wind died down and the storm abated. Night had now come
upon them, however, and they were in a sorry plight.

"Where are the other boats?" asked Grant when an hour of silence had
elapsed.

"I've no idea," said Fred. "Has any one seen them?"

No one had. At least every one denied it but Sam, and as he had not once
looked around him there was no chance that he had seen anything. Now he
was asleep. He had made no move to help in any way and seemed to take it
for granted that the others would look after him. His last words before
he had closed his eyes were, "Dat Finn."

"We've got some provisions, anyway," said John.

"Yes," agreed George, "but how long do you think they'll last?"

"Plenty long enough to keep us going until we are picked up."

"Don't be so sure of that," George advised. "At any rate, we have no
water, and that's even more important than food."

"Yes, we have, too, Pop," corrected Fred. "It's right under my feet."

"Yes, salt water, though," grumbled George.

"Not at all. There's a cask of fresh water right here in the bottom of
the boat."

"Give me some, then," exclaimed George eagerly. "I'm half dead with
thirst as it is now."

"Don't drink it now, Pop," urged Grant. "We may be hard pressed for
water, as you say, and I think we'd all better wait till morning. Then
we can take stock of just what we have here."

"That's right, Grant," agreed John heartily. "Don't you think so, too,
Petersen?"

"I do. We can surely get along without food and water until light comes,
but in a day or so we may need it very badly."

"You think we'll be out here t