determined to form of an oblong shape like a catamaran, so that it
might, should the wind be fair, be sailed or propelled by paddles
towards the shore. As the distance was considerable, it was important
to make it as strong as possible, to stand any amount of sea they were
likely to meet with before they reached the shore. It took upwards of
an hour to form the frame-work and deck it. They then, having cut away
the bulwarks, launched it overboard with capstan bars. The water under
the lee of the wreck was tolerably smooth, so that the raft remained
alongside without injury. They had next to lash the casks below it.
This was a more difficult operation, as it was necessary to secure them
firmly in their proper positions, a row on each side, head to head.
When it was completed, the platform floated well out of the water.

Three oars only could be found on board, so that they had to form
paddles by nailing boards on to the ends of short spars. The next work
was to rig the masts. Tom and Desmond agreed to have two masts with a
bowsprit, so that they might be able to sail with the wind abeam. The
masts were firmly fixed by means of blocks nailed to the deck, and they
were set up with stays. By noon the raft was completed. The midshipmen
surveyed her with considerable satisfaction.

"I for one should not mind sailing in her anywhere, provided she was
well provisioned," said Billy Blueblazes. "I don't see why we should
not try to fetch the Ladrones, if we don't find ourselves very
comfortable where we are going."

"I would strongly advise you not to make the attempt, young gentlemen,"
said the doctor, with a groan, he not being as well satisfied with the
appearance of the raft as his younger companions.

"We shall see how she will behave when she has her cargo on board, and
we get under way," said Tom.

"Don't you think we had better have some dinner before we shove off?"
asked Billy; "it won't do to be going away without our grub, as it may
be some time before we reach the shore."

Billy's proposal was agreed to, although Tom strongly recommended that
there should be no unnecessary delay. While Peter was preparing dinner,
all the stores which could be collected were placed on the raft and
lashed securely down amidships. The principal provisions found aft were
biscuits, tins of potted meats, a few preserves, coffee, tea, sugar, and
five well-cured hams.

"We are pretty well off as it is," said Desmond; "but