d
have set every man with axes to cut away the upper works and
mizzen-mast, and we should soon have materials for the purpose."

"I am thinking of poor, dear Alice," exclaimed Walter. "How dreadfully
frightened she will be! Oh, what shall I do should anything happen to
her?"

"We must trust to Him who will, if He thinks fit, find the means of
preserving her," said the mate. "Row away, Walter; we must not think
about what may happen, but exert ourselves to the utmost to do our duty,
and that is to get on board as soon as possible. Row away, my boy, row
away."

Walter did not need any incitement to labour; but, though he was not
aware of it, while he was talking he had actually relaxed his
efforts.--(Not an unusual circumstance. People, when talking, too often
forget to do. There is no lack of talkers in the world. Doers are much
rarer. We want our readers to belong to the latter class.)--Taking Mr
Shobbrok's advice, Walter did not utter another word, but rowed away as
hard as he could. Their united exertions made the raft move at a
considerable rate through the water. They were still at some distance,
when Mr Shobbrok, who was guiding the raft, and in order to do so had
to look towards the ship, uttered an exclamation of grief.

"O Walter, the fore-part has blown up!" he cried out, "and must have
sent many of the poor fellows to the bottom. But pull on! pull on! we
may yet be in time to save your young sister."

Walter said nothing, but his heart was almost breaking with anxiety.

"The flames are not spreading as fast as I thought they would," said Mr
Shobbrok. "We may still be in time."

On they rowed, till at length they got near enough to have seen anyone
remaining on the deck of the ship; but not a person appeared, although
the mizzen-mast was still standing, and the flames had not yet reached
the poop.

At length they got under the quarter, and making fast their raft by
means of a rope which hung down, they hauled themselves on board.
Walter rushed into the cabin, but Alice was not there, and no one was to
be seen.

"Don't be cast down, Walter," said Mr Shobbrok. "It is evident that
they must have built a raft and left the ship. We must do what we can,
while time is allowed us, to build one for ourselves. We must be quick
about it, for before long the fire will reach the magazine, and we must
take care to be at a safe distance before then." Saying this, he rushed
into the cabin, and retur