htly that the prize was cast
away on some island in this direction. He is a sagacious man."

"I wish his sagacity had not led him to discover us," said Captain
Rymer. "If he lands here he may after all succeed in getting off the
ship."

This announcement caused, as may be supposed, a considerable amount of
anxiety among those on the island. While they were watching, two boats
were seen to leave the schooner. Hitherto it had been so calm that a
feather held up would have fallen to the ground. Suddenly, however,
there came a low moaning sound, and the leaves of the palm trees began
to rustle strangely. In an instant afterwards the blast swept over the
island, snapping off the tops of many of the tallest trees. The tents
were blown down, and it was with difficulty that those on the island
could avoid being carried away. The sea, hitherto so calm, came dashing
in huge foaming billows against the weather side, and breaking over the
wreck with tremendous force, and it seemed scarcely possible that she
could resist the blows that she was receiving. Now one sea and now
another dashed against her, till she seemed to be completely covered
with a mass of foam. They looked out for the schooner, she was nowhere
to be seen. Either she had gone down, or had been driven far away by
the hurricane. The hurricane continued blowing without cessation; now
coming from one quarter, and now from another.

Evening was approaching, and an unusual darkness overspread the ocean.
It was fearful to contemplate what might be the fate of many of those
who floated on that stormy sea. It was impossible to put up any shelter
for the ladies, but Mary felt that she had her father to protect her,
who sat by her side, sheltering her as well as he could, aided by Harry
and David. Thus the night passed away, the whole party sitting grouped
together for mutual protection. "What could have become of the
schooner?" was a question often asked and answered. The morning broke
at length. The _Cerberus_ had disappeared, but still further off, at
the end of the reef, an object was seen. It was part of a wreck; there
were human beings clinging to it. "Whether Englishmen or Frenchman we
must endeavour to save them," said Captain Rymer.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

THE RESCUE OF THE FRENCH SEAMEN--MARY A PRISONER TO THE FRENCH--PIERRE
DELIVERS HER--BAD CONDUCT OF THE FRENCH.

The hurricane had given signs of abating, but the sea was still far too
rough