for the spars and pieces of timber to form our
raft, a round object appeared at a little distance. "It's a pumpkin!"
cried one of the men. I darted into the water and struck out for it.
Thankful, indeed, was I to get such a prize. I soon brought it back.
It was meat and drink to us, and though, divided into so many, there was
little for each, yet it might assist in saving our lives. A double
share was awarded me, but I declined taking more than the rest. It
revived us greatly, and with our strength somewhat restored, we began
the building of our raft. Those who could swim every now and then
struck off to get hold of pieces of wood to serve our purpose. Among
other things the jolly-boat's mast was found, and it was agreed that it
would serve us well for a mast for the raft. It was hard work getting
up the canvas which hung down in the water, but at length with our
knives we cut off a sufficient quantity for a sail. The rope served as
for lashing the spars which we had collected together. At length we
managed to get a frame-work formed. Across this we lashed other spars
and planks, but it was a very slow business, for some of the men could
only use one hand. Others had their legs so injured that they could not
move from where they sat; while so greatly diminished was the strength
of everyone of us, that we were unable to secure the lashings as
thoroughly as was necessary.

"It is to be hoped no sea will be after getting up, or all our fine work
will be tumbling to pieces entirely," observed Pat, as he surveyed what
we had done.

"This will never do as it is," observed Mr Noalles. "We must build a
platform on the top of it, to keep us out of the water."

There was no lack of materials to do as he proposed, and we, therefore,
immediately set about building the platform. Its weight brought the
lower part of the raft deeper into the water, but that could not be
helped. Some hours passed by while we were thus engaged, and again
thirst attacked us. We had only eaten half the pumpkin. Some of the
men entreated that they might have the remainder. "Give it them--give
it them," sang out Pember, "and give me a piece. It is the last morsel
we shall probably put into our mouths." The fruit was cut up into
twelve small slices, and distributed evenly. Even now I recollect the
delight with which my teeth crunched the cool fruit. Every particle,
rind and all, was consumed, as may be supposed. We now stepped our
m