go. As
he did so he saw close to him a large beam, with a bolt projecting from
one end. Grasping the bolt, he got astride of the beam, being thus
enabled to keep his body above the water, though he ran a risk of having
his legs injured by the heavy pieces of wood dashing about on all sides.
In vain he shouted, to ascertain if Voules or Lucas were near him. The
only objects he could distinguish were the masses of dark timber amid
the white, foaming breakers, and the outline of the rocky shore. It
seemed even then doubtful whether he should ever reach that shore.
Once, indeed, he fancied that he saw a human form clinging to a spar at
no great distance from him, but unable to direct the movements of the
piece of timber on which he floated, he could render no assistance to
the hapless person, who returned no answer to his shouts. His own fate
seemed uncertain. Should the timber be dashed against the rocks, he
would in all probability be ground to pieces before he could escape, but
on looking towards the land, he fancied that he could make out a sandy
beach. He prayed that the timber to which he clung might be directed to
it. Still, as he heard the fearful roar of the breakers, and watched
the masses of foam which swept towards the shore, he felt the
uncertainty that he should ever reach it. Several times he was nearly
torn from his hold by the masses of wreck driven against him. His
strength was decreasing. Another sea came rolling on, it might wash him
from his hold. He clung to the bolt with all his might, and almost the
next moment he felt his feet touch the ground. At first he was afraid
of letting go. The second time he put down his feet he trod on the
sand. Fearful that the beam which had carried him in safety might roll
over and crush him, he let go, and making a last effort, struggled
upwards. The foaming seas washed round his legs, and threatened to
carry him back, but on he struggled, gasping for breath until the dry
ground was reached, and then, by one strenuous effort, getting out of
the reach of the water, his strength giving way, he sank to the ground,
utterly exhausted.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

DEATH OF VOULES--ALL LOST--DESPAIR OF LORD REGINALD--NEPTUNE--WATER
FOUND--A MOURNFUL DUTY--BURYING THE DROWNED--REMORSE--THE RIVAL
CRUSOES--THE LAST OF POOR BEN--STONE THROWING--NOTHING BUT CLAMS--
NEPTUNE AND THE PIGEON--THE BODY OF LUCAS DISCOVERED--GOOD INTENTIONS--
AN ANGRY MEETING--NEPTUNE'S DISLIK