disappeared, and he had seen her no
more. The people in the cutter seemed to have suffered more than those
in the launch, having been completely wetted by the seas which broke on
board; only by constantly bailing had she been kept afloat.

In the morning, when Shafto awoke, he was surprised to find the cutter
so close at hand. It showed how soundly he had slept that he had not
heard a word of the conversation which had gone on forward. The two
boats now floated close together, the ocean being as calm as on the
previous day. It need not be repeated that every morning and evening
prayers were offered up, and two or more chapters read from the Bible.

The doctor did not forget to cook the squids, and produced a dish which
was pronounced excellent, with plenty of pepper and salt, by several of
the party; though others, not pressed by hunger, declined eating such
hideous-looking creatures. They had the satisfaction of supplying their
friends in the other boat with a warm meal, no stove having been found
in her. There were, however, several iron pots, and out of these the
armourer undertook to manufacture a stove, should more fuel be obtained.
Several monsters of the deep had been seen rising at no great distance
from the boat. Paul Lizard, therefore, as soon as breakfast was over,
placed himself in the bows, and stood ready, harpoon in hand, in the
hopes of striking one; while the doctor, the tea-kettle being removed
from the stove, went on with his still. Numerous birds were also flying
about in the distance; the rifles were got ready in the hopes of
shooting some of them.

Mrs Morley appeared much concerned on hearing of Ensign Holt's illness,
though he was no favourite of hers or her daughters'. The day wore on,
the doctor working at his still, and the rest of those on board
employing themselves in a variety of ways. Paul Lizard had stood for
some hours, harpoon in hand, hoping that a porpoise or dolphin might
rise near the boat. The creatures were seen in numbers at a distance,
but it seemed as though they were aware of the visitors to their realms,
and purposely kept away from them. Still Paul persevered, his keen eye
looking as if it could pierce down to the bottom of the ocean. Now he
let his weapon rest at his feet, now he raised it again, ready to
strike. At length it was seen flying from his hand with tremendous
force.

"Get a running bowline ready," he shouted out--"one for the head, and
another