the raft, though still progressing, was tossed about in
a way which made those on it feel the risk they ran of being thrown or
washed off it. They secured themselves with lashings. Again the water
was served out. A mouthful was given to Paul.

"Poor boy! let him have it," he heard Devereux say; "it is the last
drop."

Now more than ever was rain prayed for. Without rain, should no succour
come, in a few days the sufferings of all the party would be over.
Faster and faster the raft drove on. It was well constructed, or it
would not have held together. Still they dared not lessen their sail.
Land might be reached at last if they would persevere. Now they rose to
the summit of a foaming sea, now they sank into the deep trough. It
seemed every instant that the next must see the destruction of the raft,
yet, like hope in a young bosom, it still floated buoyantly over the
raging billows. Now dark clouds were gathering. Eagerly they were
watched by the seamen with upturned eyes. A few drops fell. They were
welcomed with a cry of joy. More came, and then the rain fell in
torrents. Their parched throats were moistened, but unless they could
spread their sail to collect the precious fluid, they could save but
little for the future. Still, life is sweet, and they might obtain
enough to preserve their lives for another day. As they dared not lower
their sail, they stretched out their jackets and shirts, and wrung them
as they were saturated with fresh water into the only cask they had
saved. Before it was a quarter full the rain ceased. They watched with
jealous eyes the clouds driving away below the horizon, while the sun
shone forth as brightly as before on their unguarded heads. Still the
raft tumbled furiously about, and with the utmost difficulty the seamen
retained their hold of it. Night returned; it was a night of horror.
Their provisions were exhausted. When the morning at length broke, two
who had been among the strongest were missing. They must have let go
their hold while sleeping and been washed away.

"It may be our lot soon," observed Paul, whose strength was failing.

"The same hand which has hitherto preserved us few still alive on this
raft is strong to preserve us to the end," said James Croxton, an old
seaman, who, even on ordinary occasions said but little, and had only
spoken since the ship went down to utter a few words of encouragement to
his companions. He was known on board the fr