nd
deliver them to death upon these sands, where the bones of the vessels
might be picked at ease; concerning the utter isolation of this region,
where no human beings were to be found short of Portsmouth at one end
and Cape Lookout at the other--fifty miles apart.

The launch drifted slowly, but none the less surely, toward the strip of
sterile bleakness broken only by the huddled masses of the dunes. As she
saw them that morning from the porch of Squire Goodwin's home, Ethel had
thought them a splendid and inspiring spectacle. Now, under the changed
circumstances, their nearer aspect terrified her. She felt a desperate
wonder as to what fate might hold in store.

By a mighty effort of will, the girl forced back the fear that
threatened to overcome her. She addressed Garnet in a voice that
trembled only slightly.

"Would it not be better to drop the anchor, and remain out here where we
could surely be seen by passing boats?"

The Doctor shook his head in negation as he answered:

"No, Miss Ethel. It would be of no use, for we are too far from the
traveled route. Besides, you have been so long cramped up aboard this
little boat that it's imperative that you should stretch yourself
ashore. As far as the fishermen are concerned, we can make signals to
them on shore as well as from here, better in fact."

He pointed suddenly.

"I can make out a rough fisherman's shack over younder between the
dunes. There's no chance of its being occupied at this season, but the
shelter afforded by it will mean everything to you."

Ethel looked in the direction indicated.

"Oh, yes, Doctor, I see it. I suppose it would help in an emergency, but
I do hope we shall not be compelled to pass a night in this desolate
place."

The physician's voice was surcharged with gloom--perhaps from pity for
himself rather than for her--as he replied.

"It's already near sundown, so I'm greatly afraid we must pass at least
a night in this wretched place. There is just one chance. Should the
wind veer a little further to the southward, I could possibly use a pole
and so push the boat up along the shore toward Portsmouth. But while the
breeze remains in its present quarter, we have no choice but to stay
here marooned. I only wish we had taken on more supplies at Atlantic.
Should I be obliged to go on foot to Portsmouth in order to bring back a
boat for you, a collection of canned goods would prove capital company
for you during my absence."

E