ith.
As they have killed my poor brother, one of the best of men, so they
will try to kill us."

I could not help thinking that there was much force in what Jose said;
still, until a breeze should get up, we agreed to remain where we were.

Another day came to a close. Occasionally we could see the triangular
fins of sharks gliding round the raft, their wicked eyes turned up
towards us; but they made no attempt to attack us. After supper we
again held a discussion as to what was best to be done. At last
compassion gained the day, and we agreed to approach the large raft
sufficiently near to hail the people, and to tell them that we would, if
possible, send them assistance.

"You will do so at great risk," said Jose. "I warn you of that; but, at
the same time, I will not be the one to oppose your kind intentions
towards my countrymen."

We accordingly took our oars and began slowly to approach the large
raft. As we drew near, we could hear the voices of the people on it;
some shouting in hoarse tones, others shrieking and crying out, as if
imploring mercy.

"It is useless to go on, senors," said Jose. "They will not listen to
reason."

Still, impelled by a feeling superadded to that of the compassion which
chiefly influenced us, and for which I can scarcely now account,--
resembling that which is said to induce birds or other animals to hurry
forward into the open mouth of the serpent,--we continued to row towards
the fatal raft. Perhaps, too, Boxall, who was the person to order us to
stop, still hoped that our presence, and the promise we were about to
give, might induce the people to remain quiet till assistance could
reach them.

At length we got near enough to hail; but it was some time before we
could make our voices heard, or the uproar ceased. I desired Jose to
tell them what we intended doing.

"Come nearer, come nearer," was the answer. "Give us a little water and
a little food; and if you will take two of our number,--only two,--who
are suffering greatly, it will show us that you are in earnest, and that
you wish to save our lives."

"Don't trust them, don't trust them, senor," cried Jose, in an agony of
fear. "They don't mean what they say. If once we get within their
power, they will detain us."

I told Boxall what Jose said. He still hesitated, however. Just then I
felt the wind fan my cheek.

"Here comes a breeze from the westward," shouted Ben.

"We have given our message," I