clustered in this part of the wreck, six of whom were crouching under the lee of the skylight, while four had lashed themselves to the stump of the mizzenmast. They were all, of course, drenched to the skin, the sea breaking over them constantly; and some of them were clad only in shirt and trousers, seeming to indicate that they had turned out hurriedly. As we drew close up to this pitiful victim of the relentless power of the wind and sea, we saw a movement of some sort among the figures crouching under the lee of the skylight; and presently, watching their opportunity, they retreated aft, one or two to the wheel grating, one to the standard of the binnacle, and others to positions where they could secure themselves from being washed overboard by grasping ringbolts, bollards, and the like, revealing the whole length of the skylight, on the panelling of which was inscribed in chalk-- "We are fast sinking. For God's sake, take us off quickly!" I was able to read this distinctly through my own binoculars; and I no sooner made it out than I jumped on to the top of a hen-coop, and, grasping the mizzen-rigging with one hand, waved the other encouragingly to them, their response being a feeble cheer. At this moment Sir Edgar Desmond, who with the rest of his party had been absorbed spectators of everything that passed, stepped quickly to my side, and, fairly panting with excitement, said-- "Captain, if there is _anything_ I can do to assist in this matter, I shall take it as a very especial favour if you will command me." "Thank you very much, Sir Edgar," I replied. "I do not know that you can help us very materially at present, unless,"--as I saw a look of deep disappointment come into his eyes--"you would kindly produce a bottle or two of your remarkably fine port, and have it warmed ready for those poor fellows when--or rather _if_--we get them on board. They have been exposed for some hours at least to wind and sea, and--" "Say no more, my dear fellow," he interrupted; "I understand perfectly." And away he went, highly delighted at finding he had the power of doing something, however little, toward succouring the poor wretches whose pitiable condition was so patent to us all. Meanwhile sail had been shortened on board the _Esmeralda_ to topsails and fore-topmast staysail; the gig had been prepared for lowering, and everybody was at his station. "Are you all ready for lowering, Mr Roberts?" I asked, as Sir Edgar left me on his charitable errand. "All ready, sir," was the prompt response.