A fortnight passed away. Still no ship appeared in sight, no land was made. Scarcely could any of those in the boat have been recognised by their dearest friends, so sad was the change wrought by those days of suffering. The wind now shifting, the mate determined to steer for the Falkland Islands, the nearest land he could expect to make. There, at all events, they could obtain water and fresh meat. Still it was a hundred leagues or more away: could any hope to live to reach that resting place for their feet? Alas, their hollow voices, their haggard countenances as in despair they looked into each other's faces, told them that such hope was vain. Jack and Sambo sat side by side, others talked of home and friends, and entreated those who might survive to bear their last messages to those friends in their far, far-off homes; but Jack and the black had no homes, no friends to mourn their loss. Much anguish were they saved. It might have been the reason that they retained their strength while others sunk under their trials. Jack remembered also how he and Sambo had before been preserved, and did not despair. Day after day passed away, the boat sailed on, her track marked by the bodies of those committed to their uncoffined graves. Strong men, as well as women and children, young as well as old, sank and died. At length six only remained, the mate, and Jack, and Sambo, and three others of the crew. They had no water--no food. The three men had drawn together and had been holding consultation forward. "It must be done," muttered one, in a low ominous voice. "We are not _all_ going to die," growled out another, looking towards the mate who was steering; "we've made up our minds, sir, to draw lots." "For what?" exclaimed the mate with startling energy; "for what, I ask, fellow?" The man did not answer. There was something in the mate's tone which silenced him. "No more of that while I live," added Mr Collins, drawing a pistol from his bosom and laying it beside him. For many hours after this not a word was spoken. CHAPTER SEVEN.