undertake to drink a
gallon of salt water. Will that satisfy you?"

"I should think so," answered Tom, laughing. "I have no doubt of your
success; but some accident may happen, and it is as well to be on the
safe side."

Another trip was made the next day to the wreck, and as the party were
able to devote the whole of their strength to the work of breaking up
the vessel, they got out a larger quantity of wood than on the previous
day, including several of the timbers, which, sawn through, would make
the ribs of their proposed vessel. As the day drew on, the weather gave
signs of changing. Tom had intended remaining until even a later hour
than before, for as the doctor had promised to keep a fire blazing on
the beach, the voyage could be performed as well during the dark as the
day-time. But, about two o'clock the wind began to get up, and the
ocean, hitherto shining like a mirror in the rays of the sun, was seen
to be rippled over with wavelets, which gradually increased in size,
while the dash of the water against the weather side of the wreck
sounded louder and louder.

"We shall have it blowing strong before night, Mr Desmond," observed
Jerry; "and I am thinking it would be prudent if Mr Rogers were to
order us to shove off, and to make the best of our way to the shore."

Desmond reported what Jerry had said to Tom, who at once saw the wisdom
of the advice.

The timber which had been got out was forthwith fastened together. A
spar to serve as a mast, with a square sail, had been brought off, and
these being rigged the voyage was commenced.

The wind increased and sent the raft along at a rapid rate, considering
its form and weight, Tom, as before, steering it. Sometimes, indeed,
those at the oars had little work to do except to assist in guiding the
raft. At last Tom ordered them to cast off end keep alongside, in case
he and Jerry might be washed away by the fast-rising seas which
occasionally swept almost over the raft, so that the water was up to
their knees. Gerald at length advised Tom to come into the boat and to
let the raft find its way as it best could to the shore.

"No, no," answered Tom; "as long as I can steer it I will, and try to
carry it safely on to the beach; should it strike the coral rocks, the
timbers may be injured and of no service."

As the raft neared the island, Jerry every now and then took a look
astern. "There won't be much of the ship left by to-morrow morning, but
I