In a short time the whole party were assembled on the peak. There we all stood, forgetful of everything else, gazing at the far distant sail. The sun went down, and for a few minutes we could almost distinguish the outlines of her loftier sails as they rose above the water clearly defined against the bright sky. The darkness came rushing on with a rapidity unknown in northern climes, and shrouded her from our sight. Mr Henley had before this been examining a pocket compass. "Lads," he said suddenly, "I have taken the bearings of that sail. She may be the _Orion_ or she may not--will you make the attempt to get on board her? I warn you that I believe there is great risk in doing so. Our only hope will be that the calm may continue, and that we may be able to get on board before a breeze spring up or before we are discovered." The men unanimously declared that they were ready to do exactly what he wished. "Well, then, we will make the attempt," he exclaimed. "But what is that? What can be that red glare over where we just saw the ship?" "She is on fire, sir," answered Spratt, after attentively watching the point indicated. "She's not the first ship I've seen burning at sea, and I know for certain that is one. She may be the _Orion_, or she may be some other unfortunate craft, that I can't say." "Whatever may be the case, we must go to her assistance," exclaimed Mr Henley. "We may be able to save some of the poor fellows clinging on to part of the wreck or to a raft, and we will bring them back to the island." "Gladly," said I; "we have no time to lose." "No, Marsden," he answered; "I have made up my mind what to do. It will not do to have more in the boat than is absolutely necessary, and I intend to leave you and Tommy Bigg and your dog behind. I would leave one of the black men, but they will not part from each other; and I wish to have Spratt with me. It is settled; say no more about it. Believe me, my dear Marsden, I am anxious to save you from unnecessary peril. If I survive I will come back, and if I am lost it will be better for you to have remained as I wish." "I am sure that you desire what you believe to be the best for me," said I, warmly wringing his hand. "I'll do as you order me, though I wish that you had allowed me to go with you."