The rebellious men were cowed. With scowling faces they worked as Joshua directed: and with some trouble they got the raft clear over the reef, and floated it into deeper water. The night that followed was a night of great anxiety. Joshua knew that they were near land; and he and Rough-and-Ready kept watches of two hours' duration in turn. The reason of this was, that they did not deem it safe to sleep both at the same time; for they suspected that Scadbolt and the Lascar were only waiting for the opportunity to fall upon them and kill them. "We have all the fire-arms, thank goodness," said Rough-and-Ready, "and all the powder and shot. We are masters while we can keep these." He had kept a sharp guard over the firearms, and had indeed secretly dropped three guns into the sea. "Better there than in those rascals' hands," he wisely thought; "we mustn't cumber ourselves with too much lumber." In the night Joshua whispered to Rachel Homebush and Minnie that to-morrow probably would decide their fate. They revived somewhat at the news, and Minnie directed Joshua's attention to little Emma Pigeon. "She has not spoken all day," said Minnie anxiously. Joshua placed his hand on the little girl's heart; it beat, but very faintly. "She will live, Minnie," said Joshua, "if we can reach land; we are certain to find food then." While they spoke, Minnie kept Joshua's hand in hers; it was her only comfort, poor child. He was kneeling by her side, and she saw in his face that he had no harsh thoughts for her. They had not exchanged a word about their friends at home, but Minnie said to-night,-- "Joshua, when you first came to our little room--do you remember?--what should we have thought if a wizard had told us this?" "What, indeed!" replied Joshua; and then, after a pause, "Do you suffer much, Minnie?" "Not now. Ah, Joshua, if I can only live to repay you!" "Keep up your courage, Minnie, and pray that we may reach friendly land--any land--to-morrow," was his answer.