All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. Holdfast was now called.
“If I had had men enough to stand watch, this would not have happened,” he said.
“Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Montgomery Clinton, clasping his hands in terror.
“Plenty of it,” answered the mate, curtly, “but we must leave the ship.”
Under his direction the remaining boat—for Captain Hill and his companions had only taken away one—was lowered. Steering clear of the reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on three sides by land. By the light, now rapidly increasing, they saw grass and trees, and the sight gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that menaced them.
They put in the boat as large a supply of stores as they dared, and then rowed ashore. Landing the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and Harry, and went back to the ship for a further supply.
“We must lay in as much as we can, for we don’t know how long we are to remain here,” he said.
When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time and eat breakfast.
The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and it bade fair to be a pleasant day.
“Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Mr. Stubbs.