uits soaked in wine and water.
Though they were saved from the suffering which thirst would have caused
them, hunger stared them in the face. In vain they watched the shoals
of flying-fish in the distance; none came near them. They had no hooks
or lines, nor any means of replenishing their stock of provisions. The
mate did not allow the rest of the party to discover how anxious he
felt; indeed, he blamed himself for feeling anxious, and continually
kept saying, "God cares for us. He will take care of us, I am sure. He
won't let these young ones perish." Still the thought arose, "How is
that to be? It's more than I can tell, unless He sends a ship to pick
us up." No sail, however, appeared in sight. Hour after hour passed
away. The mate looked round and round the horizon, in the hope that one
would appear; but again the sun went down, and the raft floated slowly
on amid the darkness of night.

Except a little biscuit reserved for Alice and Walter, no substantial
food remained for the next day, though the oil, wine, and spirits might
assist to keep them alive for some time longer. The mate and Nub
steered on watch and watch during the night, as they agreed to let the
young people sleep as long as they could. The mate felt perfect
confidence while Nub, who was an excellent sailor, was at the helm, and
he was thus able to take more rest than heretofore. The latter part of
the night was darker than usual, for a thick mist rested on the calm
ocean. Morning was approaching, when Walter awoke, and springing to his
feet, offered to take the helm, that his companions might have more
rest.

"No, thank you, lad; Nub and I have had sleep enough, and we wish that
you and Miss Alice should have as much rest as possible," answered Mr
Shobbrok.

Alice, on hearing her name, started up, and inquired if anything had
happened. But before the mate could reply, Nub shouted out, "Land!
land!--land right ahead!"

All the party, naturally highly excited, looked out, endeavouring to
pierce the gloom; but either the mist had risen for a moment, enabling
Nub to see the land, or his eyes, still heavy with sleep, had deceived
him. A light breeze was still driving on the raft. They got out the
oars, and endeavoured to impel it faster. They had not gone far when
Nub again cried out, "There! there! There it is!"

"Is it an island, or is it the back of an enormous whale?" exclaimed
Walter. "I see a flag flying on the highest par