rtain that she is the _Steadfast_!" cried Harry.
"But I wish she were farther off the coast, or she may be driven on the
rocks and lost after all."

"There is a deep bay two miles on," said Tom, "with a good entrance. It
must be down on the chart, and it's my belief the ship is standing for
it. If the wind holds as it is now she will be safe."

"I pray that the wind will hold, then!" cried Harry. "Oh, my dear
father! I little thought to see him again, and Mr Champion, and the
rest. I cannot believe that they will be lost, now that we are about to
meet them."

"God knows what is best--you must always remember that, Harry," observed
Tom. "It is our business, however, to pray for them. If He thinks fit
He will grant our prayers; and even though He does not as we may wish,
we must not doubt His justice and mercy."

Right earnestly Tom and his young companions, as they knelt on the
ground, offered up their prayers for the safety of the ship, and then
hurried on towards the harbour of which Tom had spoken.

The wind continued increasing. They saw first one sail and then another
furled till the ship stood on under close-reefed topsails. They hurried
forward, every now and then getting a glimpse of her as they reached
some elevation overlooking the sea.

They met several natives, who seemed to sympathise in their anxiety, and
accompanied them towards the harbour.

The ship heeled over to the blast. Still her canvas stood. Every
moment, however, they expected to see it blown from the bolt-ropes.

At last they were obliged to leave the coast to reach the shore of the
harbour, and now came the most anxious time of all, when they could not
watch the progress of the ship. Hurrying on, they arrived at length at
a point of land which projected out into the harbour, and made their way
over the rough rocks towards the end.

"There she is! there she is!" shouted Harry, as at that moment he caught
sight of the ship, with her yards squared away, running into the
harbour.

The natives, who had accompanied them, got a canoe ready, and Tom and
the boys jumping into her, their friends paddled away to show the
stranger the best spot for anchoring. Their signals were understood by
those on board, and the sails being quickly furled and the anchor let
go, she rode in safety.

"Harry," exclaimed old Tom, "there is no doubt about her being the
_Steadfast_. I caught sight of Mr Champion on the forecastle, with
many another