l hours had now gone by, and
the wind providentially holding fair, the ship was nearing the land.
Meantime, the fire was fast gaining on them, and might at any moment
triumph over all the heroic efforts of the crew to subdue it. The heat
below was intense. The first lieutenant, going forward, found that the
hatches had been blown off, as also the tarpaulins placed over the
gratings. As it was of the greatest importance to keep them on, he
directed the carpenter, with as many men as could be obtained, to
replace them, while he returned once more aft, to superintend the
operation of getting up the powder.

Although hitherto none of the men had attempted to shirk their duty,
greatly to his annoyance he saw, on looking out of the ward-room
windows, the stern ladders covered with people, who fancied that they
would there be more secure, and escape discovery.

At once bursting open a window he ordered them all up, and directed
Rayner to go and see that they made their appearance on deck. Among one
of the first who came creeping up, our hero discovered his former
messmate Tom Fletcher.

"You people have disgraced yourselves. Fletcher, I am sorry to have to
say the same to you," he exclaimed.

It was the first time he had ever openly found fault with his former
companion, but his feelings compelled him to utter the words.

Tom, and the whole of the men who had been on the ladders, sneaked away
on either side, ashamed, at all events, of being found out, and still
looking with longing eyes at the boats astern. Every now and then a
seaman was brought aft and placed under the doctor's care, but of the
number four were found to be past recovery, and it seemed doubtful
whether several others would revive.

The greater portion of the crew, under the direction of the officers,
were vieing with each other, trying to keep down the flames.

The wind shifted a point or two more in their favour. The captain
immediately ordered the hands aloft, to set the topgallant sails and
royals.

Seven anxious hours had passed, when while the men were still aloft, the
cry arose, "Land, land, on the weather bow!"

The men on deck cheered at the announcement. In a short time it could
be observed through the haze right ahead. The sight, though the land
was still five leagues distant, revived the sinking spirits of the crew,
and spurred them on to greater exertions. Still, notwithstanding all
their efforts, the fire rapidly increased.