elt that there was
little hope that we should ever see our wives and infants again. Still
we spoke of the promise we had made each other--not that there was any
need of that, for we neither of us were likely to forget it.

"The spring tides were coming on, and though we had escaped as yet, the
sea might before long break over the rock and carry us away. Even if it
did not we must die of hunger and thirst, should no craft come to our
rescue.

"We kept our eyes fixed on the distant shore; they ached with the strain
we put on them, as we tried to make out whether any boat was being
launched to come off to us.

"A whole day passed--another night came on. We did not expect to see
the sun rise again. Already the seas as they struck the rock sent the
foam flying over us, and again and again washed up close to where we
were sitting.

"Notwithstanding our fears, daylight once more broke upon us, but what
with cold and hunger we were well-nigh dead.

"Your father was a stronger man than I fancied myself, and yet he now
seemed most broken down. He could scarcely stand to wave our flag.

"The day wore on, the wind veered a few points to the nor'ard, and the
sun burst out now and then from among the clouds, and, just as we were
giving up all hope, his light fell on the sails of a boat which had just
before put off from the shore. She breasted the waves bravely. Was
she, though, coming towards us? We could not have been seen so far off.
Still on she came, the wind allowing her to be close-hauled to steer
towards the rock. The tide meantime was rapidly rising. If she did not
reach us soon, we knew too well that the sea would come foaming over the
rock and carry us away.

"I stood up and waved our flag. Still the boat stood on; the spray was
beating in heavy showers over her, and it was as much as she could do to
look up to her canvas. Sometimes as I watched her I feared that the
brave fellows who were coming to our rescue would share the fate which
was likely to befall us. She neared the rock. I tried to cheer up your
father.

"`In five minutes we shall be safe on board, Michael,' I said.

"`Much may happen in five minutes, Paul; but you will not forget my Mary
and little boy,' he answered.

"`No fear of that,' I said; `but you will be at home to look after them
yourself.'

"I tried to cheer as the boat came close to the rock, but my voice
failed me.

"The sails were lowered and she pulled in. A rope was