I. "Well, it strikes me that if we thought about it
oftener we should be better prepared for the time when it does come.
Come it will, I know,--`as a thief in the night,' the Bible says. I'll
try and think more on the subject, so that when the moment does come I
may be ready."

Many people make resolutions as we did: how few keep them! It is
extraordinary that we should have been able to talk so much in the
position in which we were placed. As I was saying, we strained our eyes
gazing after the ship.

"Jerry," I exclaimed suddenly, "she has hove about--I am certain of it!
See, see! she is coming nearer!"

Breathlessly we watched. Even though the gloom was thickening, we could
discern that her bow was turned towards us. We shouted in our
eagerness--not to show where we were: there was no use in that, nor
could we have made ourselves heard; the light also from the life-buoy
was still burning brightly. On came the ship towards us. There was no
doubt about the matter.

"There's down with the helm!" cried Jerry. "They are going to heave
to--hurrah! hurrah!"

In another minute the ship lay hove-to a short distance to windward of
us. She looked like some huge dark spirit rising out of the ocean. We
knew that they must be lowering a boat, though we could not see it.
Then we shouted, to show that we were all right and in good heart. A
shout from the boat's crew was given in return, and a light was held up
to show us that help was coming. Over the waves it came dancing towards
us. In a few minutes more the boat was up to us, with Mr Brand at the
helm. Whenever any very important work was to be performed, I observed
the captain liked to intrust it to Cousin Silas.

"Take old Surley off first!" exclaimed Jerry. Manuel Silva, who had, it
appeared, insisted on coming, was about to help him in. "He has had
hard work to hold on, poor fellow." So Surley was taken into the boat,
and then I, for Jerry would not get in till the last; and then the
life-buoy was lifted in, and in a very short time we were all safe on
deck, and the ship once more steering towards the American coast.

We were earned below--that is to say, Jerry and I. The men took care of
Surley. We were put into our berths, and the doctor came to us, and we
were rubbed, and had some hot brandy and water; and then I, at all
events, felt all to rights. Jerry had been hurt by his fall, and it
took him much longer to recover. The captain went and sa