olved to go
to the other side of the island, and to build ourselves a hut from the
driftwood which we had seen there in abundance. This we did, but we all
have been growing weaker and weaker ever since, and had you not come to
our rescue I do not think we should have held out much longer."

The mate finished his account--on which, from what he afterwards told
me, I have somewhat enlarged--just as we got up to the tent. The
unhappy madmen stood in front of it waiting for us. Though excited in
their looks and wild in their conversation, they seemed perfectly
prepared to accompany us. They looked with eyes askant at the mate and
his three companions, but said nothing to them.

"Well, gentlemen, are you ready to proceed?" exclaimed Mr Brand as we
got up to them.

"Certainly, noble mariners--certainly," answered one of them. "But
stay, we have some freight to accompany us."

And, going into the tent, they dragged out a sea-chest, which appeared
to be very heavy. The mate looked surprised, and when they were not
looking he whispered to me that he did not believe that the chest
contained anything of value. He, however, had not an opportunity of
speaking to Mr Merton, who told them that as soon as he had seen the
people into the boat he would come back and help them along with their
chest. This reply satisfied them, and they sat themselves down
composedly on the chest while we helped the other poor men into the
boat. As soon as this was done, two of our crew were sent back to bring
along the chest. Though strong men, they had no little difficulty in
lifting it; but whether or not it was full of gold, no one could have
watched over it more jealously than did the two madmen. It was very
remarkable how completely they seemed inspired by the same spirit, and
any phantasy which might enter the head of one was instantly adopted by
the other.

"There's enough gold there to buy the Indies!" cried Ben Brown, a
seaman, as he handed in the chest. "Take care we don't let it
overboard, mates, or the gentlemen won't forgive us in a hurry."

"It is more than your lives are worth if you do so!" cried the madmen.
"Be careful--be careful, now."

The boat was loaded, and we pulled away for the ship. Our captain
seemed somewhat astonished at the extraordinary appearance of the people
we brought on board. The mate and other men of the lost vessel were
carefully handed up. They were not heavier than children, but the
Messrs.