n a low, horrified tone.

"All--all, sister. Only you, and Otto, and I left. How soundly the
poor boy sleeps!"

"I wish it might please God to let him die thus," said Pauline, with a
weary sigh that told eloquently of hope deferred.

"Your wish may be granted," returned Dominick, "for the dear boy seems
to be sinking. It can scarcely, I think, be natural sleep that
prevented the shout of that poor fellow from arousing him. But lie down
again, Pauline; sleep may do you a little good if you can obtain it, and
I will watch."

"And pray," suggested the poor girl, as she lay down again, languidly.

"Yes, I will pray. Surely a sail must appear soon!"

Dominick Rigonda was strong in youthful hope even in that hour of sorest
trial, but he was not strong in faith. He prayed, however, and found
his faith strengthened in the act, for he looked up immediately after
with a feeling amounting almost to certainty, that the long-expected and
wished-for sail would greet his eyes. But no sail was visible in all
the unbroken circle of his horizon. Still the faith which had prompted
the eager gaze did not quite evaporate. After the first shock of
disappointment at his prayer not being answered according to its tenor,
his assurance that God would yet send relief returned in some degree,
and he was not altogether disappointed, though the answer came at last
in a way that he did not expect.

After sitting in a half-sleeping condition for some time, he aroused
himself, and crept with considerable difficulty to the bow to procure
the blanket which had covered the two men who had just perished. A
corner of the blanket had caught on the end of one of the floor-planks.
In disengaging it Dominick chanced to raise the plank which was loose,
and observed something like a bundle lying underneath. Curiosity
prompted him to examine it. He found that it was wrapped in canvas, and
carefully tied with cord. Opening it he discovered to his surprise and
intense joy that it contained some ship's biscuit, a piece of boiled
pork, and a flask of water.

Only those who have been suddenly presented with food and drink, while
starving can appreciate the feelings that filled the heart of the poor
youth with laughter and thanksgiving; but his joy was not selfish, for
the prospect of immediate personal relief had but a secondary place in
his thoughts.

Hastening with the inestimable treasure to the place where his brother
and sister lay, he care