nfess, Miss Dicey," said
Mr Paget, approaching Emily and May; "but still we may hope to find
her. In this mountainous sea she might be easily concealed between the
waves, though at no great distance."

In vain, however, every one on board kept looking out for the missing
boat. The ship was standing back exactly over the spot where she had
been lowered. The only sign of her was a broken oar, which tossed up
and down--for a moment was seen, and then disappeared. Mrs Clagget
continued to abuse Charles for his foolhardiness, as she called it.

"Poor young man, I wish he had not gone," said the good captain; "but it
was a brave deed. I ought not to have allowed the boat to be lowered;
but I could not bear to let one of my fellows perish without an attempt
to save him; and I thought that lifeboat could be trusted."

"Very wrong in all concerned," exclaimed Mrs Clagget. "But surely,
captain, you don't think poor Charles is really lost, and your worthy
mate too. I had a great respect for that honest man."

"Indeed, madam, I fear such is the case," said the captain with a sigh;
"and I trust you will do your best to console those dear young ladies.
It will break their hearts, I am afraid, for it is easy to see what
affection they have for their brother."

Emily and May were, as may be supposed, almost stricken down by grief
when they were told, though as cautiously as possible by Mr Paget, of
what had occurred. Not till night had arrived, and all hopes had been
abandoned, could they be induced to leave the deck. They stood with
their hands clasped together, looking out over the tossing sea as though
they expected the boat which contained him they loved so much would
appear again in sight.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE "RANGER'S" BOATS ARE SENT AWAY.

THE PUMPS DISABLED--THE WOMEN PLACED IN BOATS--YOUNGER OFFICERS AND BOYS
SENT AWAY--THE CAPTAIN AND COLONEL REMAIN--THE CAPTAIN'S LETTER--CHILD
SAVED BY YOUNG BROKE--SHIP DRIVING ON LAUNCH--ESCAPE OF LAUNCH--VOYAGE
IN BOATS COMMENCED--LAST SIGHT OF "RANGER"--MRS RUMBELOW ENCOURAGES HER
COMPANIONS--BOATS RUNNING BEFORE THE GALE--MRS MORLEY'S GRIEF--A CABIN
FORMED FOR THE WOMEN--A SEA BREAKS ON BOARD--SEARCH FOR PROVISIONS--
FIRST NIGHT IN THE BOAT--HARRY SHAFTO AT THE HELM--THE WEATHER
MODERATES--IMPOSSIBILITY OF RETURNING TO THE SHIP--SCARCITY OF WATER--
THE DOCTOR MANUFACTURES A STILL--VARIOUS PROVISIONS DISCOVERED.

Dreary as was the night, it was happily of no long d