nate as to be picked up by a ship first."

The men were eager to be off, and set to work readily to prepare for the
voyage. Harry would rather have remained, still believing that the ship
would come back to look for them. Some time, however, was occupied in
catching fish, and in drying and salting them, for it was necessary
first to erect a building of stone for the former operation, and they
had to collect the salt in the holes of the rock along the shore.

A lovely day, just a month after they landed, found them ready, with the
cocoa-nut bottles and tubs full of water, and as many whole cocoa-nuts
and as much dried and salt fish as they could stow away.

"Before we shove off, lads, let us return thanks to God for bringing us
safely here and giving us food to eat, and then let us pray that He will
take care of us in the voyage we are about to make," said old Tom. "I
tell you that we shall meet with many dangers, from which He alone can
preserve us."

The men agreed to old Tom's proposal; and then in good spirts they
pulled down the harbour and glided out into the open ocean, now shining
in the bright sun of the early morning. The surf, which broke on the
rocks on either side in a gentle murmur, glittered brightly, presenting
a very different appearance to the wild fury it exhibited when they took
refuge within the bay. A light breeze springing up from the northward,
the sail was hoisted, and the whale-boat stood to the south, away from
the dark, forbidding-looking island. The small compass which is usually
carried in a whale-boat enabled them to steer in a tolerably direct
course.

"Now, lads," said old Tom, "we may reach land in about a fortnight; but
it may be a month or six weeks before we fall in with an island where
provisions are to be found. It will be well, therefore, to put
ourselves on an allowance both of water and food. Remember that God
helps those who help themselves, and if we take more than we require to
keep up our strength, we cannot expect Him to send us a fresh supply."

Harry and Dickey were always ready to support him, and the men, without
murmuring, agreed to do as he advised.

The crew having been divided into watches, old Tom taking charge of one
and Harry of the other, and all other arrangements being made, old Tom
lay down to rest, saying that he would keep the first night-watch.

They had a few candles for their lanterns, which had been carefully
husbanded; these were kept to