caverns. Then, with her head to
the south, she glided swiftly back, retracing the ground already passed
over, leaving the bears still busy amongst the rocks, too much engrossed
to give them even a passing look; and soon after they were once more
abreast of the wreck, and gliding south, but with the engine slowed once
more and the man in the chains busy with the lead.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

DISAPPOINTMENT.

There was no fear of being overtaken by the darkness of night, for the
sun shone brilliantly, as if to make up for the long dreary time that it
was hidden from the face of the earth; and its genial warmth had so
great an effect upon the spirits of the men that they were all alert and
eager for action, watching the shore intently for traces of the crew of
the wrecked vessel, and for a break in the tremendous waves where a boat
could get to shore in safety. Even the dog partook of the general
feeling of exhilaration, rushing frantically about the deck, charging at
the sailors open-mouthed, with his frill set up round his neck, and when
apparently about to seize them thrusting his muzzle down close to the
deck and rolling over and over.

They glided on as near to the line of breakers as it was safe, the steam
giving Captain Marsham such complete control over the movements of the
vessel that Steve pointed out the fact triumphantly to Andrew McByle.

"Ay," he said, "she's ferry goot in her way, the hot watter, but gie me
sails. Where wad she pe if ta fire went oot?"

"And where wad she pe if ta wind went doon?" cried Steve, out of
patience with the man's obstinacy.

"Tat's ferry pad language, Meester Steve Young, sir. Ton't you try to
imitate ta gran' Gaelic tongue, pecause she can never to it. She'd have
to pe porn north o' Glasgie to speak ta gran' Gaelic tongue proper."

"Then you shouldn't be so obstinate," said Steve, somewhat abashed.

"Call that dog down, my lad," cried the captain, "or he'll be
overboard!"

For Skene had leaped up on the bowsprit, made his way from there on to
the bulwarks, and was running along the top wherever it was clear of
rope or shroud, barking with all his might at the astonished birds which
came wheeling round the ship, swooping so low at times that they nearly
brushed the dog with their long grey wings, making him snap at them
vainly.

But the intense excitement produced by the change to warmth and sunshine
seemed to border on a kind of rollicking madness; and bubbling ov