be too late to reach it, and miss another by so doing," he
answered. "Ten minutes of one of those showers will be sufficient to
supply all our wants."

Still the rain continued falling, and the thirsty voyagers fancied they
could hear the splash in the water, so near did one or two showers come
to them. Now the heavy clouds seemed to be rolling away, but others
came up in their stead.

"There's a drop! I felt it on my face," cried Willy. "Another, and
another. It rains! it rains!" In an instant all in the boats were
lifting up their faces to the sky, the poor little children opening wide
their mouths to catch a few drops of the refreshing liquid. There was
no mistake about it now. Down came the welcome rain in thick heavy
drops. The sails were hauled down, for fear of passing through the
shower. Not a drop, if they could help it, would have been lost. As
the water fell it was drained off into the casks and buckets; the women
rung out their shawls; every bit of rag that could be wetted was eagerly
sucked. Still the rain continuing to fall, every can, and even the
smallest cup that could be found, was filled. They had learned the true
value of water. Scarcely had all their measures been filled when the
rain ceased, the clouds rolled away. The sun shining forth assisted to
dry their saturated garments. A brisk breeze soon after sprang up, and
the boats danced gaily over the now laughing water. The hearts of the
voyagers were inclined to laugh too, many lifting them up to heaven to
express their gratitude for the relief afforded them. There was now
water enough, they hoped, to last them till they could reach the
wished-for land. Notwithstanding this, the doctor kept his precious
still going, when the stove was not required for cooking, carefully
husbanding the small remains of fuel.

A strong northerly breeze was blowing, the boats continuing their course
to the eastward, the launch leading. All night long they had stood on,
the dark foam-topped seas rising up around them. Harry feared that he
should be compelled to heave to should the wind increase. He had been
at the helm during the middle and morning watch. Willy was on the
look-out forward.

"Land! land!" he shouted. Daylight had just broke. "There are cliffs
ahead, with high lands rising beyond them," he added. Paul Lizard was
awake in a moment, looking out with him.

"You are right, Mr Dicey."

"Do you see a high point to the south'ard