I'm sure that
not a ship in the fleet would have made such a bonfire as she has--does
she not burn beautifully--nobly? My poor Vrow Katerina! perfect to the
last, we never shall see such a ship as you again! Well, I'm glad my
father did not live to see this sight, for it would have broken his
heart, poor man."

Philip made no reply; he felt a respect even for Captain Barentz's
misplaced regard for the vessel. They made but little way, for the
swell was rather against them, and the raft was deep in the water. The
day dawned, and the appearance of the weather was not favourable; it
promised a return of the gale. Already a breeze ruffled the surface of
the water, and the swell appeared to increase rather than go down. The
sky was overcast and the horizon thick. Philip looked out for the land,
but could not perceive it, for there was a haze on the horizon, so that
he could not see more than five miles. He felt that to gain the shore
before the coming night was necessary for the preservation of so many
individuals of whom more than sixty were women and children, who without
any nourishment, were sitting on a frail raft, immersed in the water.
No land in sight--a gale coming on, and in all probability, a heavy sea
and dark night. The chance was indeed desperate, and Philip was
miserable--most miserable--when he reflected that so many innocent
beings might, before the next morning, be consigned to a watery tomb,--
and why?--yes, there was the feeling--that although Philip could reason
against--he never could conquer; for his own life he cared nothing--even
the idea of his beloved Amine was nothing in the balance at these
moments. The only point which sustained him, was the knowledge that he
had his duty to perform, and, in the full exercise of his duty, he
recovered himself.

"Land ahead!" was now cried out by Krantz, who was in the headmost boat,
and the news was received with a shout of joy from the raft and the
boats. The anticipation and the hope the news gave was like manna in
the wilderness--and the poor women on the raft, drenched sometimes above
the waist by the swell of the sea, clasped the children in their arms
still closer, and cried--"My darling, you shall be saved."

Philip stood upon the stern-sheets to survey the land, and he had the
satisfaction of finding that it was not five miles distant and a ray of
hope warmed his heart. The breeze now had gradually increased, and
rippled the water. The qu