would have been
thankful for a gale of wind to carry them to a safe distance. Lord
Reginald got out another oar aft, and Dick one forward.

The young lord considered that it would be safer to keep the boat's head
to the eastward, and then haul up to the northward, the course they
intended to steer. As they watched the island through the dense cloud
by which it was surrounded, it appeared one mass of flame; while the
volcano itself, with the hills beneath it, appeared melting away.

"It's only to be hoped that they may sink to the bottom, and not break
up any more stout ships!" cried Robson. "However, as I have gained my
liberty, I have no cause to complain."

The wind freshened, and the _Janet_ under all sail making good way, by
nightfall the burning island appeared like a bonfire, far over the
larboard quarter. As it was necessary to keep a bright look-out, Lord
Reginald and Pierre took one watch, Robson and Dick the other.

"Well, I never did think she would go along in this style," observed
Robson, looking over the side, and noting the way the _Janet_ moved
through the water.

Among the articles picked up had been a half-minute glass, and a long
line having been fitted, her speed could be ascertained. With the wind
on her quarter she was found to be making seven knots an hour, which was
considered by all to be wonderfully good going.

For two days the _Janet_ stood on without any land appearing in sight.
At length, on the evening of the third day, an indistinct outline was
discovered right ahead. A calm came on, and all night she lay without
advancing on her course. Although Dick and the other men offered to get
out the oars, Lord Reginald would not permit them to exert themselves,
knowing that they might require their strength for an emergency.

As the sun rose a breeze sprang up, and again they were skimming along
over the smooth sea, at the rate of five knots an hour. At length, the
land became more and more distinct. It was of considerable height, but
the mate acknowledged that he could not tell what it was. At last he
declared it to be the island of Sumbawa, and by steering to the west an
opening was discovered. As no one knew the character of the
inhabitants, it was agreed that it would be wiser not to land, and the
little craft keeping in mid-channel, was not likely to be observed from
either shore.

For some hours they were becalmed, and it was not until nearly daylight
that they approache