"Oh! they have deserted us," cried Nat. "Never mind, we must make a raft for ourselves," answered Owen; "the lighter the better, and the more the sea goes down, the more easily we shall get a landing on the rocks." They found a couple of gratings, and two small spars. These they lashed together. "We must secure some lanyards to hold on by," said Owen. There was still plenty of small rope which had become entangled in the shattered bulwarks, and their raft was soon completed. They had hitherto not had time to watch the progress of the large raft. Just as they were about to launch their own they looked out for it. At that moment they saw a sea strike it; the warp parted, or was carried out of the men's hands, and the raft was turned completely over, the next instant to be dashed violently against the rocks, every soul being washed off. Owen saw that many of the men were striking out, and were helped up by their companions on the rocks. "The same thing may happen to our small raft," said Nat. "I hope not," said Owen; "we will make a couple of paddles, and we shall then be able to guide it." They returned for this purpose. The tools, fortunately for them, had been left behind. The paddles were soon made. "In case we get on shore safely, these tools may be useful. You go first, Nat, and I will hand them to you," said Owen. Nat sprang on to the raft. Owen then handed down a bag of nails, a hammer and saw, some gimlets and chisels, which Nat secured, as he was directed by Owen, who leapt down after him. As it was dangerous to remain alongside the wreck among the masses of timbers, they immediately cast off the ropes and began paddling away. Their slight raft was several times nearly struck by pieces of floating wreck. Shoving away from them with their paddles, they, however, floated clear. Owen observed an opening between two of the higher rocks. "If we can pass through there we may get round the lee side, and land without difficulty," he said. They exerted all their strength to reach the opening. Again they were in great danger from a piece of wreck which came surging up and down close to them. They, however, scraped clear of it. "We shall get through now," cried Owen; "paddle away, Nat." In a few minutes more they reached the opening, which was just wide enough to allow their small raft to pass through. "Hurrah! we have done it," cried Nat, as they saw the white surf breaking astern of them. The current, however, threatened to carry them out to sea, but by great exertion they kept close to the rocks, and paddled on. At length they reached the rock where their shipmates were collected. As they scrambled up on the rock the first person they saw was Mr Scoones. "Well, youngsters, you little expected to find me here, I've an opinion," he said; "you'll have to look out, and do as I order you."