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 ship 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 ship 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 ship 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 ship, but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an angry sea in a frail boat. The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity. They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds. The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful. “Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, “do you agree with the captain that it is our best course to take to the boats?” “I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I.” “I don’t think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast,” said Captain Hill, in a tone of contempt. The mate’s face flushed--not so much at the words as the tone. “Nevertheless Captain Hill,” he said, “I stand by what I have said.” “Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the passengers, “if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you remain with us?” “I will!” answered the mate, promptly. “Then set me down as the first to remain,” said Stubbs. Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a man in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following where he led. “I am but a boy,” he said, “but I have to decide for my life. I shall remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs.” Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.