or be swamped."

"But suppose we never see them again?"

"Don't worry about that; we're all headin' in the same direction, an'
have only got to wait till they overtake us after land is sighted."

Although Jake spoke in a positive tone Teddy and Neal were far from
feeling comfortable in mind; but, as he had said, nothing different
could be done, and each tried to hide his fears from the other.

The weight of the wind increased as the night advanced, and by the words
of caution which the sailors uttered from time to time, the boys knew
that those who should best understand such matters were anxious
regarding the outcome of this night run.

Now and then a small quantity of water would dash over the side; but it
was quickly bailed out, and, as one of the men said, "did more good than
harm, for it gave them something to do."

Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, Neal and Teddy fell asleep
before midnight, therefore they were unconscious of the fight which
their companions were making for life. It was necessary the frail craft
should be kept dead before the wind; otherwise she would have been
swamped by the following waves, which were now running dangerously high,
and the skill of the helmsman was all that prevented her from
destruction.

Not for a single moment during the hours of darkness was it safe to
relax the vigilance, and the constant strain on one's nerves was more
fatiguing than the real labor.

Just as the day was breaking Neal awoke, and then he aroused Teddy by
asking Jake:

"Can you see the other boats?"

"Not yet; but some of them may be in sight at sunrise. It isn't possible
their lights would show up more than a mile off."

"Isn't the sea running very high?" Teddy asked timidly as he attempted
to stand erect; but Jake grasped him by the shoulder as he said quickly:

"It isn't safe to move around very much. Lie quiet until the wind dies
away a bit; we've got more'n we want, and the boat must be kept trimmed
mighty carefully or there'll be trouble."

It was only necessary for the boys to watch their companions in order to
learn the dangers which beset them, and, clasping each other's hands,
they waited in anxious suspense for the rising of the sun to learn if
the remainder of the party was near.

CHAPTER VII.

ON SHORE.

When the first rays of the sun appeared above the horizon the sailors
searched with their eyes in every direction; but neither land nor a
craft could be s