"They will be off as before, and we shall lose them," said Willy, in a low voice. Just then a shot was heard, then another and another, and presently Paul Lizard was seen scrambling along the beach, and followed by the captain and a soldier, and a regular onslaught on the seals was commenced. The seamen could restrain themselves no longer, and down they rushed pell-mell to assist their friends; the only weapons, however, which they possessed were some pieces of the wreck. The seals were rushing towards the water, tumbling over each other in their hurry to escape; a few old bulls, however, the patriarchs of the herd, were ferociously attacking their assailants. The captain was tumbled over, the soldier had nearly broken his rifle in defending himself against the assaults of a fierce bull, while Paul was laying about him right and left with his club, when the rest of the party arrived to their rescue. Two seals had been shot, and Paul's club had brought down four more; the rest, charging all who opposed them, made their way to the water. The captain, though somewhat bruised, and having his clothes torn by the teeth of the seal which had attacked him, was not otherwise the worse for the encounter. The six seals which remained as trophies of the battle were well worth all the injuries which had been received. The seamen's knives were quickly at work, and the flesh and blubber were cut off and carried away in triumph to be laid at the doctor's feet. He was delighted when he saw the spoils brought to him. "No fear now, my friends, of dying of thirst or hunger," he exclaimed. "If we can keep our pot boiling, we shall do well." By this time the cutter had drawn near the rock, and Harry and Willy once more mounted its summit to watch her. They could see with the telescope the faces of those in her looking up with astonishment at them. Harry waved to them to go round to the other side of the rock; and as soon as they understood his signals, the boat was hauled on a wind, so as to weather the north point. They all seemed very pale and miserable. "There are some people lying at the bottom of the boat," observed Willy. "I fear they have been suffering greatly." The two friends hurried down to the cove, and in a short time the cutter was seen coming round and standing in for it. The sail was lowered, and the oars got out; but from the languid way in which they moved, it was evident that those who were rowing had but little strength. As she approached several people were seen pointing to their mouths. "I thought so," observed the doctor. "We have fortunately saved some water, though there is scarcely more than sufficient to wet their lips." "Oh, give them all we have," exclaimed Mrs Morley, who overheard the remark. "Oh yes, do! do!" exclaimed several of her female companions.