er, nor could she have done so much
longer, as her strength was fast failing. It seemed to Isabel wondrous
strange, that she should feel so anxious to be rescued from her perilous
situation, when not so long ago she had been so desirous of death, but
so it was.

It was no easy matter to get the boat to this point, and had it required
any more water to float it, it would have been impossible. As soon as
Isabel was in the boat a joyful shout was raised by the party on shore.
The return to land was slow, as the great exertion he had been forced to
use was beginning to tell upon Everard. Of course Isabel was soaking
wet, but fortunately a large plaid that Norris had made them take with
them had been left on the beach; this they wrapt round her, and then
went home as quickly as might be.

"Mercy on us," exclaimed Norris, as they made their appearance, "what in
the name of wonder have you been doing."

"Why getting a soaking don't you see," returned Isabel, much amused at
Norris's manner.

"Then you will just get to bed right away Miss Leicester, for I would
like to know how I am to answer to my Misses and Dr. Heathfield, if you
get the consumption through your nonsense, dear me, and you were looking
so well."

"But Norris, if I change these wet things surely that will do."

"You just get to bed, I say, for you are in my charge."

Everard laughed.

"Now Mr. Everard don't you be a interfering."

"Oh, certainly not."

"Now come along at once Miss Leicester, and I will get you some hot
gruel." Isabel did as she was bid, not wishing to vex Norris who had
been very kind, but she protested against the gruel, but in vain, Norris
made her swallow a large basin full, which to Isabel's intense disgust
had a plentiful supply of brandy in it. After this Norris consented to
hear the history of their adventures, which was told by the whole five
at once.

"The air of D---- seems to have done wonders," said Everard when Isabel
made her appearance at breakfast next morning looking quite her former
self.

"Yes indeed," returned Isabel with a pleasant smile, "how very stupid
you must have thought us yesterday, I can't imagine how we could have
been so foolish."

"I suppose that you were not aware that the reef would be covered as the
tide rose."

"Oh yes, we knew quite well."

"Well then, you were all awfully stupid, if you will excuse my saying
so," returned Everard, "I gave you credit Miss Leicester for more
prudence."