cured their
view, though this was of itself profound; it was a thick mist or fog,
that had arisen over the surface of the ocean, and which enveloped their
bodies; so that, though standing almost close together, each appeared to
the others like some huge spectral form at a distance.

To remain where they were was to be swallowed up by the sea. There
could be no uncertainty about that; and therefore no one thought of
staying a moment longer on the point of the sandspit, now utterly
submerged.

But in what direction were they to go? That was the question that
required to be solved before starting; and in the solution of which,
perhaps, depended the safety of their lives.

We need scarce say, perhaps. Rather might we say, for certain. By
taking a wrong direction they would be walking into the sea, where they
would soon get beyond their depth, and be in danger of drowning. This
was all the more likely, that the wind had been increasing ever since
they had laid down to rest, and was now blowing with considerable
violence. Partly from this, and partly by the tidal influence, big
waves had commenced rolling around them; so that, even in the shoal
water, where they stood, each successive swell was rising higher and
higher against their bodies.

There was no time to be lost. They must find the true direction for the
shore and follow it quickly too, or perish amid the breakers.

CHAPTER FIVE.

A FALSE GUIDE.

Which way to the shore?

That was the question that arose to the lips of all.

You may fancy it could have been easily answered. The direction of the
wind and waves was landward. It was the sea-breeze, which at night, as
every navigator is aware, blows habitually towards the land--at least in
the region of the tropics, and more especially towards the hot Saara.

The tide itself might have told them the direction to take. It was the
in-coming tide, and therefore swelling towards the beach.

You may fancy they had nothing to do but follow the waves, keeping the
breeze upon their back.

So they fancied, at first starting for the shore; but they were not long
in discovering that this guide, apparently so trustworthy, was not to be
relied upon; and it was only then they became apprised of the real
danger of their situation. Both wind and waves were certainly
proceeding landward, and in a direct line; but it was just this direct
line the castaways dared not, in fact could not, follow; for they had
not