ready, and endeavour to save the lives of as many
as they can hold."

"Too true, sir," was the answer. "I see no other prospect for us."

"We must trust in God, Mr Tobin; He is our only hope," observed the
commander with a sigh.

Darkness came down once more upon the hapless ship as she lay rolling
and pitching heavily in that cold antarctic sea. The pumps kept
clanking away the whole night; the gush of water was heard even amid the
roar of the waves, as it rushed from her sides. The men crouched down
in groups at their stations in different parts of the ship, many a stout
heart knowing full well that at any moment the fearful cry might be
heard, "She is sinking! she is sinking!"

The colonel was in his cabin with his wife and daughters. Captain Power
sat at the table reading, or endeavouring to read, and every now and
then addressing a few remarks to the officers around him. They were
mostly behaving as English gentlemen generally do behave under such
circumstances, with calm courage, ready to perform any duty which might
be required of them. The only person who did not show his face was the
unhappy Ensign Holt, who kept himself shut up in his cabin for most of
the time. Now and then he appeared, with a pale face, to inquire
whether the leaks were being got under; and on being told that they were
still gaining on the pumps, he rushed back again, with a look of dismay
on his countenance.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

THE "CRUSADER" IN THE TROPICS.

FINE WEATHER--LIGHTS ON THE OCEAN--FLYING-FISH COME ON BOARD--
TROPIC-BIRDS--A SHARK CAUGHT--SOUTHERN CONSTELLATIONS--A CALM--FEVER
BREAKS OUT--DEATHS AMONG THE EMIGRANTS--MR PAGET'S ACTIVITY--THE DICEYS
ASSIST THE SICK--SIGNS OF A COMING BREEZE--A GALE COMES ON--
JACK-O'-LANTERN--JOB MAWSON'S ALARM--REEFS SHAKEN OUT--A MAN OVERBOARD--
CHARLES AND WINDY GO OFF IN BOAT--BOAT LOST SIGHT OF--SEARCH IN VAIN FOR
THE BOAT--EMILY AND MAY'S GRIEF.

Little did Charles Dicey and his sisters think of the fearful dangers to
which their brother Willy was exposed. The "Crusader" sailed on over
the smooth sea, with her white canvas spread out, towering to the sky,
studding-sails on either side reaching to the very surface of the water.

An awning had been spread over the after-part of the ship, and beneath
it the cabin passengers assembled, sheltered from the hot rays of the
sun. Neither Charles nor Mr Paget were ever idle, and their example
generally induced many of their compan