hen it got
there. Let us be thankful for the calm weather, and work away while it
lasts."

After some hours' labour, a sufficient quantity of wood had been
obtained to form a large raft. It was of a much rougher description
than the two former ones, but still buoyant enough to carry the
remaining stores. Among other things they had brought a kedge anchor
and a hawser. They had, however, forgotten that there were no spars
remaining to serve as masts or yards; it was necessary, therefore, to
tow the raft. By the time all was ready, it was so late that it would
be impossible to reach the shore before dark, and Tom had omitted to
charge the doctor to keep up a fire by which they might steer to the
landing-place.

"Well, never mind, we will begin our voyage," he said, "and when it gets
dark we will anchor the raft and return for it in the morning. Should
bad weather come on, the chances are that the timber, at all events,
will be washed on shore, though we may lose the stores; but that will
not matter so much, although we may be compelled to reduce the
dimensions of our craft." Tom and Jerry took charge of the raft, having
contrived two large paddles to propel it, while Desmond and the rest
went in the boat and pulled ahead. More progress was made than had been
expected, as a slight current set towards the shore, and they had
performed half the distance before it grew dark. The night also was
very fine, and as Desmond had a compass in the boat and had taken the
bearings of the harbour, he was able to steer for it. The doctor had
not forgotten them. In a short time, catching sight of a fire blazing
up brightly, which they knew must be burning close to the beach, they
continued their course. It was, however, past ten o'clock before they
reached the shore, where they found the doctor and his companions ready
to receive them.

"You have not been idle, I see; nor have I," he exclaimed. "I have made
good progress with my still, and I hope to get it into working order
early to-morrow."

Tom hoped that the doctor would not be disappointed in his expectations,
for on examining the water he found that they had sufficient, at the
rate at which it was consumed, to last only two or three days more. He
determined, therefore, to place the party on an allowance, in case the
still should not succeed.

"You need not be afraid of that," observed the doctor; "if we do not
obtain the fresh water by to-morrow evening, I will