time the next tide rose they had felled two large
pines, and applied them to the side of the vessel. Two of the party
swung at the ends of these; the other two hauled on the block-tackle.
This time the sloop moved a little at the full flood; but the moment of
hope soon passed, and the end was not yet attained.

The next tide was the last high one. They worked like desperate men
during the interval. The wedge was the mechanical power which prevailed
at last. Several wedges were inserted under the vessel's side, and
driven home. Thus the sloop was canted over a little towards the water.
When the tide was at the full, one man hauled at the tackle, two men
swung at the ends of the levers, and Jack hammered home the wedges at
each heave and pull; thus securing every inch of movement. The result
was that the sloop slid slowly down the bank into deep water.

It is wonderful how small a matter will arouse human enthusiasm! The
cheer that was given on the successful floating of the _Fairy_ was
certainly as full of fervour, if not of volume, as that which followed
the launching of the _Great Eastern_.

Setting sail down the gulf they ran before a fair breeze which speedily
increased to a favouring gale. Before night a small bay was descried,
with three log-huts on the shore. This was the new fort. They ran into
the bay, grazing a smooth rock in their passage, which caused the
_Fairy_ to tremble from stem to stern, and cast anchor close to a wooden
jetty. On the end of this a solitary individual, (apparently a maniac),
was seen capering and yelling wildly.

"What fort is this?" shouted Jack.

"Sorrow wan o' me knows," cried the maniac; "it's niver been christened
yet. Faix, if it's a fort at all, I'd call it Fort Disolation. Och!
but it's lonesome I've been these three days--niver a wan here but
meself an' the ghosts. Come ashore, darlints, and comfort me!"

"Fort Desolation, indeed!" muttered Jack Robinson, as he looked round
him sadly; "not a bad name. I'll adopt it. Lower the boat, lads."

Thus Jack took possession of his new home.

CHAPTER THREE.

DOMESTIC AND PERSONAL MATTERS.

Jack Robinson's first proceeding on entering the new fort and assuming
the command, was to summon the man, (supposed to be a maniac), named
Teddy O'Donel, to his presence in the "Hall."

"Your name is Teddy O'Donel?" said Jack.

"The same, sir, at your sarvice," said Teddy, with a respectful pull at
his forelock. "Th