and more than once had almost
broken over them. Still, while their mast stood, and they could keep
their sail set, they hoped to continue running before the sea. They
spoke but little to each other, and continued looking out on either
side, in the hope of seeing some vessels which might afford them a
refuge. Still none appeared. The old man continued steering the raft
with great judgment and dexterity, but it was clear that the gale was
increasing, and that in a very short time the frail structure on which
they floated could not hold together amidst the fierce waves to which it
would be exposed. Still, serious as was their position, the boys did
not forget that they had had nothing to eat since the previous night.
Harry dived down into their provision-box, and produced some biscuits
and a piece of tongue. Their first care was to offer some to the old
man.

"No, thank you, good lads, I've no hunger," he answered.

In spite of their pressing, he refused to take any of the food.

"I can't say that I'm not hungry," cried Harry, "though I'm afraid we
must go without our tea."

David, who felt something like old Jefferies, when pressed, however, by
Harry, gladly joined him in discussing such provisions as they could
easily get at. Both of them were much refreshed by the nourishment, and
in spite of the foreboding looks of the old man could not help holding
sanguine hopes of escaping from their perilous position. Still they
were hoping against hope, for in spite of the additional lashings they
had cast round their raft, first one piece of plank and then another was
torn off.

"Hold on tight!" cried Harry, as he gazed astern, "here comes a
tremendous sea, and I don't know how we shall keep before it."

As he spoke a high foaming wave came roaring up. Already the raft was
mounting a wave in front, or the consequences would have been more
disastrous. The upper part of the sea broke completely over the raft,
but it still floated on. Those on it looked anxiously round to see if
any of their number were missing. The old man was still at his post at
the helm, and the two boys at their places. It was evident, however,
that a few more such seas would utterly destroy the raft. As Harry
again gazed astern, he saw to his dismay many similar seas preparing to
follow; still he would not say this, even to David, and tried in his own
hearty way to keep up his companions' spirits. An hour or so thus
passed away, when the