All was now bustle aboard the brig. The men, who had worked at the pumps sullenly, because they knew that despite all they could do the leak was gaining fast on them, now found themselves employed in securing their own safety. The remains of the fore and mainmast were soon floating alongside, and, with a number of spare yards and heavier spars, formed a solid basis to work upon. Across these were placed a second layer of lighter spars, and the whole secured firmly. The planking of the deck forward, where it had been partially torn up by the grinding of the fore-topmast, was easily removed, and completed a kind of deck, raised two feet at least above the water. A royal yard was rigged as a mast, and stancheons were fixed round the edges of the platform, through which ropes were run. The arms were got on deck, and the best being selected were, with a liberal supply of ammunition, placed on the raft. Some loose sails were thrown in, provisions of every kind added, and as there was room for treble the number of men on the floating spars, several heavy cases, the contents of which were known only to the captain, were stowed away on the raft. Night came on, and one by one the stars shone out. A long gentle swell was all that remained of the late storm, and the brig, barely rising to it, rolled clumsily and heavily. The men had behaved well. There had been a question raised, when they were tired of the pumps, and found that, work as hard as they might, it was useless, of breaking into the spirit-room; it had been soon disposed of, however, and each and all had worked cheerfully. Crew and passengers were on deck. Isabel had been speaking in a pleading tone, while the dark mass of timber alongside was as yet not tenanted. "I cannot bear to think of what remains of my poor father being left here. We are close to land; let me, at least, see him laid to rest in African soil." "Dearest Isabel, your wish is law to me, and the desire is a natural though I think a wrong one. We don't know when we may reach land, and the sad sight will but increase your grief. Believe me, dearest, it is useless." Isabel looked up into her husband's face. "My first request," she murmured. The look was irresistible; and Hughes walked forward to where Captain Weber stood, among his crew, completing his last dispositions. "Captain Weber, can we not take the remains of Dom Maxara on shore for burial?" "What use will it be? The old barky, with all she contains, will soon be at the bottom of the sea, and so much of my future and hopes go with her, that I should not much care if I went also." "Still, it is the daughter's wish," urged Hughes. The men stood grouped around on the deck, the pumps had been left, and the brig was rolling so heavily on the swell that it was time to leave her. "Well, well! be it as you wish. Here, Anderson, and you, Forrest, come here;" and the seaman gave his directions.