was fuel sufficient for their
fires, that a good supply of seal-flesh might be cooked. The tent was
accordingly carried on shore and considerably enlarged, to afford
accommodation for the ladies and other women, while some of the men
slept on shore, thus giving ample space for the remainder to stretch
their legs on board the boats. The scene looked wild and strange in the
extreme to Harry, as he retired a short distance from the camp to enjoy
a few moments of solitude, and seek for that strength he so much needed,
with the heavy responsibility thrown upon his young shoulders.

By the side of the small cove on which floated the two boats was the
white tent, and at a little distance their camp-fires blazed up
brightly; while high above rose the dark, rugged peaks of the
weather-worn rock on which, ever and anon, a ruddy glare was cast by the
flames at their base, while beyond stretched out into interminable space
the dark, heaving ocean. Across that ocean he was now to go, and guide
the course of the two boats towards an inhospitable land, yet the
nearest where water and fuel could be found. It could not, however,
prove a permanent resting-place, as the winter, he had heard, was severe
in the extreme, and provisions for so many mouths it might be impossible
to find. Yet could he venture farther on in these open boats? New
Zealand lay beyond; but a large portion of that country was but little
known; they might reach a part inhabited by savages, who might treat
them as foes instead of rendering them assistance. If so, might it not
be safer to stand across from the Aucklands to the distant shores of
Australia? Even should the weather favour them, could they carry water
and provisions sufficient for so large a party? Could any of their
number be left behind? Who, indeed, would consent to stay?

These questions, and many more, crowded on the young officer's mind as
he thus sat beneath the rugged cliffs of that wild sea-worn rock. He
resolved, at all events, to steer for the Auckland Islands, which had
been discovered in 1806 by Captain Bristow, commander of the "Ocean,"
South Sea whaler, and called after Lord Auckland; but with the exception
that they contained some good harbours, Harry knew very little more than
that fact about them.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.

THE BOATS LEAVE THE ROCK--STEER FOR THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS--SCARCITY OF
FRESH WATER--MRS RUMBELOW PUTS THE MEN TO SHAME--CLOUDS GATHER I