Year: 1873

stepped, and sail rigged, while two
pairs of oars lay ready for use. In aa
few words as possible I told Watson
my plans. pointing out the loom of the
land in the distance.


With wild, eager expression, he
glanced earnestly in the direction
pointed out, and as descended to the
cabin for the purpose of attempting to
save some provisions and water, in case
of need, I left him leaning on the taft
rail watching the boat as it grated un.
der the counter. slowed an armful
of packages away in the boat, leaving
Watson standing in the same position,
he not Offering to assist me.


Returning to tue cabin for fresh
supply, 1 was soon busy searching for
whatever I could fiud uninjured. Sud
denly 1 fancied that heard the flap OF
q sail, as though the sheet, which was
slack, was hauled of.


Listening for an instant, strained
my ear to catch the chatting of the boat,
occasioned by the light swell, but not a
sound could hear. All was silent as
the grave, except the occasional swash
or thump of sea as it run alongside.


A hoarse shout which came floating
through the confined space of the
cabin, caused me to scramble madly
towards the companion-way, my heart
beating wildly with underlined fear.
Gaining the stairs was soon on deck,
and at little distance from the wreck
sat Wilson in the stern sheets of the
gle, holding the sheet in his hands,
while mocking smile of triumph
played around his lips.


"Ah, Mr.. Jack, allow me to thank
you for the kindness and foreth0ught
in fitting out this boat. I am about to
leave you for a more desirable location
and 1 trust you will be able to pass
some kind of an existence until 1 send
you some assistance. By the way,
may have the pleasure of seeing your
wife before I return. Any words9"


offend !" I shouted, 'wil you leave
me here to perish2"


A loud laugh was the answer that
maddened me beyond all control. With
one foot on the rail. was on the point
of leaping into the water, with the des-
perate hope of overtaking him by swim.
ming, when I caught sight of o small
triangular fin moving slowly through
the water. 1t was large shark, and,
with a shudder, I drew back, giving up
my wild undertaking. Watson, salts.
fed with his revenge, had hauled the
sheet aft, end the light breeze filing
the sail. the boat glided rapidly away
in the direction of the distant land.
Bitter and awful were the feelings that
surged through my breast as I watched
that villain receding from my view.
My last hope was gone, I must die
alone and deserted.


Watson, in token of last and final
farewell, stood up in the stern sheets
of the gig, waving his hat derisively
above his head. At the same time a
flaw of wind struck the frail craft,
causing it to shoot up into the wind
with a sudden jerk. The wretch lost
his footing, striving in vain to recover
his balance, and, in his efforts, the gig
careened, pitching the occupant head
long into the clear blue wators. A long,
dark shadow passed swiftly along, a
Wild shrek of mortal agony rang out
upon the air, tinge of crimson
streaked the blue water, and all was
over.


Capt. Watson had received the re.
ward he SO we'll merited for the treach-
cry lie had practiced upon ME. With
eager eyes I watched the course
Of the boat, as it slowly drifted
before the wind, and soon found that
it would pass close under the stern.
Lowering myself into the water, 1
for favorable opportunity,
and with few strong strokes, gained
possession of the coveted prize. At
late hour tho next day hauled the gig
up on the beach of the distant land /
had seen.


Itproved to be one of the many is-'
lands composing the Maldives, and the
natives treated me with great kindness.
their aid I was enabled to
reach Ceylon, and from there embarked
for home, which closed up the disas-
trous voyage.