the open air; and in the same manner Tom was lifted from
the upper vault and laid upon the sward.

When he came to himself, he was stretched on the grass with Bill's knee
for a pillow and Harry's skilful hands ministering to him; and in that
moment Tom must have been clearly conscious of all that had taken
place, for he murmured with great fervency, "Thank God for the blessed
light of day."

Just then a shower of spray came driving over the Stack, and, dashing
itself against their faces, called the attention of all to the storm
now raging on the sea.

All around Swarta Stack the waves were leaping, white and furious.
There could be no leaving the island that day, and no chance of any
rescue, even if anybody knew of their position--a very unlikely thing.

"Where can we find shelter for Tom?" was the first thing said, and it
was Harry who spoke.

"We must see to our boat," said Yaspard.

They hurriedly piled a few stones together, and laid their jackets on
these to make a shelter and couch for Tom; then leaving Harry to look
after the patient, the others ran off to secure the _Osprey_.
Fortunately she was a light little boat, and they were able to run her
up the beach a bit, where she was safe from being knocked about by the
waves. The few remains of ferdimet were removed, with other articles
which were required for camping out; and as our adventurers returned to
the scene of the catastrophe they asked one another what was to be done
if the storm lasted longer than one day.

"We can't starve, with birds about and rabbits as well as sheep on the
isle," said Yaspard; "but the storm that could do us no harm may be
serious enough for poor Tom. There isn't even a morsel of tea
left--only a few piltacks and a slice of cheese."

"There's a couple of eggs and Miss Congreve's box of chocolates left,"
Bill said. "We'll keep them for Tom; but the sea may run off before
night."

Yaspard shook his head. "Not likely. I know the weather-signs. This
means to last."

"Just so! Bad boy, bad boy!" screamed Thor from a crag close by. He
had remained by the _Osprey_ while the lads were exploring, and would
have remained there still; but when she was beached and the "outward
and visible signs" of a meal carried away, Thor thought he had better
go too, and see what was going to happen next.

"Ah, Thor, my rascal!" Yaspard exclaimed; "I must have had a
presentiment of what would happen when I took you with us. Now"
(turn