s here might send such a tremendous sea
pouring in over the reef as to wash the old hooker off the reef into the
lagoon, where she would quickly founder--which is the reason why I
consider that we must establish ourselves ashore as soon as possible."

"Oh!" exclaimed Billy, "I never thought of that. Do you really think,
Mr Blackburn, that there's a chance of the wreck sinking?"

"It is quite possible," I replied, "although I have known cases where
stranded wrecks have remained for years undisturbed. Still the
possibility must be recognised and provided against, wherefore it is of
the utmost importance that we lose no time in getting ourselves safely
settled ashore."

"Then, what do you propose to do, sir?" demanded Billy.

"The moment that I am strong enough to do any work," said I, "I shall
start to build some sort of a craft in which we can ferry ourselves
across the lagoon and explore the island in search of a suitable spot
upon which to pitch our camp. After that, everything will depend upon
the conditions on which we find it possible to live. But one condition
is of paramount importance; we must establish ourselves where a clear
view of the open sea can be obtained, and from which it will be possible
to signal to any ship that may heave in sight. And now, Billy, do you
happen to know whether there is any timber aboard, out of which it would
be possible for me to build a boat without the preliminary necessity to
start breaking up the _Yorkshire Lass_?"

"Why--yes--I--I believe--there is," answered Billy hesitatingly. "I
can't say for certain, but I seem to remember hearin' Dad say something
about buyin' some planks as a stand-by in case of repairs of any sort
bein' needed; and I believe I saw some planks and scantlin' down in the
fore hold a bit later, while the ship was still in dock. If the
timber's aboard anywhere, that's where you'll find it, Mr Blackburn."

"Thanks, Billy," said I. "As soon as I am strong enough to lift a hatch
we will explore the fore hold, and see what is to be found there."

Nearly a fortnight elapsed before I was strong enough to open the fore
hatchway, even with Billy's help; but when at length we managed it we
were amply rewarded for our labour, an abundant supply of planks and
scantling for our utmost need being found. I took careful stock of it
all, recording the nature and dimensions of each piece of scantling and
plank, and then, providing myself with paper, pencil, and