l hands on deck, and
several came aloft--various opinions were expressed. Old Higson was
positive that it was part of a wreck of some unfortunate vessel lost in
the late hurricane, or the whole hull of a small craft dismasted. The
breeze freshened, and hopes were entertained that they might get up to
it before darkness settled down over the deep. It could soon be seen
from the deck.

"I knew that I was right, and I wish from my soul I wasn't," exclaimed
Higson, as he looked steadily through his glass. "That's a small craft
on her beam ends, and it's my belief that she's the _Snapper_!"

"I trust not," said Rogers, who overheard him. "If she is the
_Snapper_, what has become of the poor youngsters?"

"Perhaps they are still clinging to her, sir," answered Higson. "I have
known men hold out on board a craft in as bad a position as she is in."

"But they are boys, and must have succumbed to hunger and thirst, even
if they escaped being washed overboard when the craft capsized,"
observed Murray, who was not inclined just then to take a hopeful view
of matters.

"I'd trust to my nephew holding out as long as any youngster ever did,"
said Adair. "The others have not less pluck in them."

"I see no signal, and as they must have made us out long ago if they
were aboard I fear they are gone," sighed Jack.

"Faith, it's likely enough they have nothing to make one with," observed
Adair. "I'll not believe they are lost."

Every glass on board was continually kept turned towards the object
ahead. As the schooner approached, however, no one could be discovered
on board. It was nearly dark by the time she got up with it. Several
voices on board the schooner hailed, but no reply came. She hove to,
and a boat was lowered. Jack, Terence, and Higson jumped into her.

"Hand a lantern here," cried Higson, as they were shoving off. They
were quickly alongside the hapless craft. It was then seen that she had
been capsized with her sails set, which, with the mast and rigging,
assisted to keep her in her present position. Probably also her ballast
having shifted contributed to do so, as she was only partially filled
with water. Not a human being, however, was visible. Higson, seizing
the lantern, leaped on board, and climbed up to the companion hatch.
Jack and Adair were about to follow, but they, observing that even his
weight made the water flow over the bulwarks, saw that it would be more
prudent to let him search