ch Mr Bradshaw
intended to come to England."

The eyes of all on board were turned towards the wreck. No one was seen
on the deck.

"She must have been abandoned, but I trust that her passengers have been
taken off by some other vessel, for should they have left in the boats,
their chance of escaping in the heavy sea which has been running would
have been small indeed," said Jack, feeling very anxious as he thought
of Stella and Murray.

"Possibly the boats may have not long left her," observed Bevan.

"You may be right," said Jack. "Send a couple of men with the sharpest
eyes to look out, in case they may be still in sight."

Just then a person was seen emerging from the companion-hatch, who no
sooner discovered the brig, than he waved his hands and appeared to be
frantically imploring assistance.

"It is Mr Bradshaw himself!" exclaimed Jack, who had been looking
through his telescope. He immediately ordered a boat to be lowered, and
sung out for volunteers.

"I will go myself, Bevan," he said. "Take charge of the brig."

Needham was the first to step in, others quickly followed, and Jack,
with some of his best men, pulled away through the heavy seas towards
the ship. It was no easy task to get alongside without the risk of
having the boat knocked to pieces. Jack watched his opportunity, and,
followed by Needham and Tim Mullens, one of the men, sprang on board.
As he did so, he ordered the boat to keep off till he called her.

"Thank Heaven you have come!" exclaimed Mr Bradshaw, as he grasped his
hand.

"Quick! quick! the ladies are in the cabin. I charged them not to come
on deck for fear of being washed overboard, but from the heavy way the
ship is rolling, I suspect that she has not much longer to swim."

"Indeed she has not, I fear," exclaimed Jack, rushing into the cabin.
Stella was seated on a sofa, supporting Miss Bradshaw, who, overcome
with alarm or illness, appeared to have fainted, while Polly was
kneeling by her side, helping her mistress. Miss O'Regan looked amazed
at seeing Jack. He, without waiting to utter an exclamation, seized her
in his arms, and carried her on deck. Needham took up Miss Bradshaw,
while Tim, who had accompanied him, tucked Polly under his arm.

"If you have nerve to leap at the proper time as the boat comes
alongside, do so," said Jack to Mr Bradshaw. "If not, wait and I will
come back for you."

Jack shouted to the men in the boat to return, and waiting ti