rying as their detention in the ice.
Scarcely a drop of water remained, their stock of provisions was well
nigh exhausted, every particle of fuel had been consumed, while their
numbers were daily diminishing, their strength decreasing, and the water
gaining on the pumps. Still they struggled, like brave men, to the
last.

"Surely we cannot be far off the land?" said Andrew, one morning to
Archy.

"I'll go aloft and have a look out," answered Archy; and he made his way
to the mast-head.

His heart bounded as he caught sight, in the far distance, of blue hills
rising out of the tossing waters. The welcome cry he uttered brought on
deck all who had strength sufficient to crawl out of their berths. The
ship was steered in the direction towards which Archy pointed, the
breeze was favourable, and in a short time the well-known headlands and
points of Unst, the most northern isle of Shetland, appeared in sight.
Before evening the anchor was dropped in one of the deep voes which run
up far inland all round the coast. The inhabitants of the village, on
its shores, gazed with astonishment at the battered vessel, and the way
in which the sails, which the crew had not strength to furl, fluttered
from the yards. In a short time a number of boats, with friendly
visitors, were on board, and the news was sent to Lerwick that the long
missing "Kate" had returned. Archy sent a few lines to his mother; he
signed his note, "from your repentant son," but he trembled lest she to
whom it was addressed might no longer be alive to receive it. A portion
of the crew, able to bear the journey were the next day sent on
overland; the brave surgeon, however, refused to quit the sick and
dying.

"I will stay and help you, sir," said old Andrew. "God has preserved my
strength, and it is my duty to employ it in tending to my suffering
fellow creatures; and though there are many at home ready to welcome me,
the welcome will come more warmly to my heart when I feel that I have
not left undone what I ought to have done."

"And may I likewise stay?" said Archy. "What Andrew thinks is right is
my duty also."

Not till the sick had recovered sufficiently to be taken on shore did
Andrew and Archy set out on their journey to the south. As they were
starting a letter was put into Archy's hands. He eagerly read it. It
was from his mother. Although his transgression had caused her
unspeakable sorrow, she had never ceased to pray that God would