shade as I had advised them; but, although patient, they evidently
suffered much. Once more we all attempted to forget ourselves in
repose. I was soundly asleep, when I was woke up by Cross.

"Captain Keene, it is raining, and it will soon rain much harder; now,
if you will order the men, they will soon collect water enough."

"Call them up immediately, Cross; we must not lose this providential
succour. It may save all our lives."

The men were soon on the alert: the rain came down in a steady shower;
and as soon as they were wet through, they took off their shirts, and
dabbling them into the water as it ran down to leeward, squeezed it out
into their mouths, until their wants were satisfied, and then, under the
direction of Cross, commenced filling the three breakers and four tubs
which had been brought up. They had time to fill them, and to spare,
for the rain continued till the morning. The tubs and breakers were
securely slung under the fore-bitts for future use, and they then
continued to drink till they could drink no more.

CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

The sun rose and chased away the clouds, and the heat was overpowering.
What would have been our situation if it had not pleased Heaven to
refresh us?

The consequence of their thirst being appeased made the demand for food
imperative, and a raw potato was given to each man. The day passed, and
so did a third, and fourth, and our hopes began to fail us, when at
daylight the next morning I spied a sail to the westward. The breeze
was light but the vessel was evidently coming down towards us, and
before noon we made it out to be the cutter.

We then sat on the bulwarks, and held out a white shirt, as a signal to
attract their attention. When about three miles from us, the cutter
rounded to, not appearing to notice us, and for two hours we were left
in this state of maddening anxiety and suspense, when at last we
perceived her bows pay off, and she again stood towards us. They had at
last seen us, and as soon as they had run down to within three cables'
length, the boat was lowered and sent to take us off. In three trips we
were all on board, and devoutly thanked Heaven for our preservation.

The lieutenant of the cutter said that at first the sun prevented his
seeing us, which I believe was the fact; but he acknowledged that he had
no idea that we had been wrecked, although he thought that the Dryad
was, as he had seen a mast floating, and, sending a bo