Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/172

166 covered with broken clouds. But there was no time for melancholy meditation; the wind, which had been gradually veering round, was now blowing full to land, and they were obviously under the necessity of taking advantage of its direction to reach the island with all possible speed. One rough gale would drive to fragments the frail wreck, which yet, had they but kept by it, would have saved the lives of so many. A chest, with carpenters’ tools, had been lashed upon deck, and, of the planks and spars scattered round, they soon formed a slight raft. Great part of the ship was under water; but in the captain's cabin they found an ample supply of present necessaries. Wrapping Marion in a boat cloak, they fastened her to a large chest in the middle of the raft. The wind was in their favour, steady and gentle and setting in directly to the shore. Their frail launch went steadily though the water, the low sandy beach was easily gained; and, by ten o’clock, they had kindled a small fire, boiled some cocoa for breakfast, and Marion was asleep beneath the shadow of the knot of palm-trees which had first caught their attention, and under which it was their earliest task to raise