skin by
the heavy seas which frequently broke over the hapless ship; still they
persevered, no one flinching from the work. Harry Shafto attracted the
notice of the commander by his activity. Willy Dicey imitated him to
the best of his power. Although not so strong as a man, by his
intelligence and comprehension of what was to be done he was able to
direct others, and thus rendered good service.

"I say, Dicey," exclaimed Peter Patch, who was standing near him, "do
you think really the ship will go down? I feel awfully queer. I wish
that I'd followed your advice about some things long ago. I should like
to say my prayers, but I don't know how to begin, and there isn't time
for it now."

"That's it," answered Willy. "Had you said them morning and night, and
not have been afraid of our messmates laughing at you, you would have
known how to say them even while you are hard at work. I don't think
God would be well pleased if we all were to knock off, and go down on
our knees to pray and ask Him for help while we were neglecting to help
ourselves."

"I must work now, at all events," said Peter.

"Of course you must," answered Willy, "or praying would be mockery; but
you can pray out of your heart while you are pulling and hauling, or
while you are running along the deck with a message."

"I daresay you are right, Dicey," sighed Peter; "but it's very terrible.
I had no thought, when we left England, that we should get into such a
scrape as this. For what I see, we may all be drowned, or be driven on
those fearful icebergs, and be frozen to death before many days are
over."

"Very true, Peter. I have been thinking the same; but it is our duty to
struggle to the end--first to try and save the ship, and then our own
lives."

Matters did not mend as the day advanced. Again and again the carpenter
sounded the well, and reported that the water had rather increased than
diminished. The after-part of the deck was now scuttled, so that more
provisions and stores could be got up and hove overboard. The pumps
continued to be worked as energetically as at first, but still the water
gained on them, till it reached the orlop-deck.

The fearful condition of the ship could no longer be concealed from the
people. Even the most sanguine began to lose heart. Many cast wistful
glances at the boats. Notwithstanding this, the commander kept them
labouring at the pumps, still hoping against hope that the wind and sea
migh