RIVEN STERN-ON TO A BERG--
FEARFUL DAMAGE RECEIVED--A SLANT OF WIND TAKES HER OFF--THE LEAKS
INCREASING--STORES HOVE OVERBOARD--JURY-MASTS CARRIED AWAY--ATTEMPTS TO
STOP THE LEAKS--MATTERS BECOME WORSE--AN ANXIOUS NIGHT--THE WATER GAINS
ON THE LEAKS.

The "Ranger" had been running on for another night. Though the wind had
fallen, there was too much sea to attempt rigging jury-masts, or heaving
her to. The weather had been tolerably clear, and a bright look-out
being kept, it was hoped that, should icebergs appear ahead, they might
be seen in sufficient time to steer clear of them. During the whole
time the commander had not gone below; indeed none of the officers had
turned in, and a few only of the men had taken short snatches of sleep.
Not for a moment had the clanging pumps ceased to work. At frequent
intervals the carpenter had sounded the well, and reported that they
were greatly gaining on the leaks.

"I hope, Willy, you will still be able to write home a long yarn of our
adventures," said Harry Shafto, as they stood together on the deck.
"The sea has gone down considerably during the last two hours, and if we
can pump the ship clear we may yet stop the leaks, get jury-masts up,
and reach New Zealand not long after the time we were due."

"I hope so," said Willy, who was feeling somewhat worn-out, and whose
spirits for a midshipman were getting unusually low. "I cannot help
thinking of the poor fellows who were washed overboard, and thankful I
ought to be that I was not among them. I was holding on when one of the
men who was making his way for'ard was carried off by the sea. I know I
wish that it was daylight."

"It will soon come," said Harry, "and we shall get the ship to rights;
and with regard to those poor fellows, I would not tell you not to think
about them, but that their fate should teach us always to be ready. If
we are so, we shall never fear to face danger."

"By the by, Willy, I wish to report your conduct to the commander. I
find that it was your sharp eyes that first discovered the iceberg from
which we so providentially escaped."

"Thank you," said Willy; "but I was only just doing my duty in keeping a
bright look-out."

"Exactly," said Harry; "that's the utmost we can do, and all that is
expected of any man; just go on, Willy, doing that, and you'll do well.
But see, there is a light streak in the horizon; the clouds are clearing
away. Though the ocean looks black enough at pres