shore, "I feel that I ought to try, as it is the only chance of saving
all hands; and I think I could have managed it if I had had but a
companion, but it's a long way to go alone through the silent water."

"If that is your only reason, Smith, why, I will try and keep you
company," said Palmes, another midshipman, who had hitherto sat silent,
not complaining like some of the rest. "I am not much of a swimmer, and
I don't feel as if I could ever get to shore. However, it's a good
cause, and I'll do my best." Thus it was speedily settled, for there
was no time to be lost. The two noble adventurers, having bid farewell
to their shipmates, whom Palmes, at all events, never expected to see
again, threw off their jackets and shoes, and struck away together from
the wreck. The prayers of those they left behind followed them, for the
safety of all depended on their success. Smith swam steadily and
strongly, and Palmes made amends for his want of strength and skill by
his courage and spirit. Still, before they got half-way to the shore,
the courage of one of them was to be sorely tried. As Smith swam along,
he felt his legs strike against something, and, looking down into the
clear water, he saw, to his horror, two enormous sharks swimming past
him. As yet they had not noticed him; and fortunate was it for both of
the brave fellows that they had kept on their trousers and socks, for
had the monsters seen the white flesh of their naked feet, they would to
a certainty have fixed on them as their prey. With admirable presence
of mind, Smith kept this dreadful fact to himself, lest the knowledge of
it should still further unnerve his companion, who already was almost
exhausted by his exertions. At this time they were still full a mile
from the shore, which, to their anxious eyes, appeared still farther
off. "Smith, my dear fellow," exclaimed Palmes, "I can swim no farther.
Do you push on, and leave me to my fate."

"Not I, my lad," answered Smith. "Cheer up, man; we'll yet do well.
Here, rest on me for a time; but don't cease striking out." Suiting the
action to the word, he came alongside and supported his companion; but
he did not tell him why he urged him to keep striking out. Again they
struck out together, and Palmes seemed somewhat recovered; but once more
his strength forsook him, and he fancied himself incapable of
proceeding. Still Smith did not lose courage; but he saw the necessity
of keeping their limb