talking in
that way that I have not been in the regiment for thirty years without
learning my duty; so look out. But I think better of you, boys. If I
was to ask you now, you would, I am sure, be ready to give up half your
allowance to any of the poor women who might require it more than you
do!"

Not another word was said. Little Broke, it was observed, as soon as he
got his allowance of water, always crept near little Bessy, and poured a
few drops down her throat before he would take any to quench his own
burning thirst. The seal blubber was at length expended, and but a
small quantity of wood remained to keep the stove alive. The anxiety of
all naturally increased as the prospect of obtaining more lessened.
Some, indeed, were beginning to despair.

Before long, however, dark clouds were seen gathering in the sky,
hanging low down above their heads, the breeze freshened, the air felt
heavy and damp.

"What do you think of the weather?" asked Harry of the boatswain, the
cutter being within hailing distance.

"We shall have the rain, sir, and I am getting a sail ready to catch it.
I'd advise you to do the same," was the answer.

The canvas which formed the ladies' cabin was immediately stretched out
between the masts, and triced up at the corners; the women held out
their shawls, and every arrangement was made to catch the hoped-for
shower; while the casks and cans, and all the articles capable of
holding water, were got ready.

"There it is! there it is!" cried several voices, as the rain was seen
descending some hundred fathoms from the boat in a thick shower; but it
was to leeward of them. Then it suddenly stopped. Soon another heavy
fall of rain came down at a considerable distance astern. How
tantalising it was to the thirsty throats of those who watched it! Now
another shower appeared ahead, but not a drop descended where the boats
lay.

"Oh, Mr Shafto, is the rain not coming near us?" inquired several of
the poor women, as they turned their flushed faces towards him, and
hugged their children closer to their bosoms. He could not bring
himself to say that he thought so, as he observed their cracked lips,
their lustreless eyes, and anxious looks.

"We must hope for the best," he replied. "See the showers are falling
all around us, and we may hope that one will visit us ere long."

The men proposed getting out their oars, and pulling in the direction
the next shower might appear.

"We might