Part 20 (1/2)

Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried conference.

”Can't we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?” asked Harry. ”The poor men look utterly exhausted.”

”Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain.”

But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him Mr. Stubbs put the question:

”Can't I help at the pumps?”

”And I, too, Mr. Holdfast,” put in Harry.

”I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired.”

So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too, volunteered. But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery Clinton felt quite inadequate to the task.

Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing something to save his own life and the lives of his companions.

He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.

”Jack, you must be very tired,” he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.

”If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep,” said Jack.

”Can't you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place.”

Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him, and the mate said kindly:

”Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. I will call you when I want you.”

So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, without a thought of the danger, so fatigued was he, fell asleep the moment he got into his bunk, and was not called up for four hours.

After a while they reduced the flow of water, but ascertained that the s.h.i.+p was badly strained, and by no means safe. It was not till the next day, however, that an important decision was reached.

All were called on deck.

”It is my duty to tell you,” said Captain Hill, ”that the s.h.i.+p is so damaged by the recent storm that it is liable to sink at any time.

Those who choose to run the risk may remain, however. I propose, with such as choose to join me, to take to the boats. I will give you fifteen minutes to decide.”

Excitement and dismay were painted on the faces of all. The s.h.i.+p might be insecure, but to launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat seemed to involve still greater danger.

CHAPTER XIII

”WHO WILL STAY?”

The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the s.h.i.+p, but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an angry sea in a frail boat.

The pa.s.sengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.