During the night they satisfied their hunger with the biscuits, reserving the fruit for the time when the hot sun would increase their thirst. Langton persuaded Owen, who had hitherto not slept, to lie down and take some rest. He was glad to do this, indeed at times he could scarcely keep his eyes open. He was awakened by an exclamation from Mike—
“Arrah! now, how’s the land got out there?”
He started up, as did Langton, who had also fallen asleep, and on looking to the eastward he saw two islands, between which the raft must have drifted some distance astern, a strong current having carried them through the passage at a faster rate than they had supposed possible. It was a bitter disappointment. Unless the wind should come from the west they could not hope to make either of the islands, as they would, at all events, have the current against them.
“What do you recommend, Langton?” asked Owen.
“We must wait and see what will next happen,” answered Langton. “In case we should be kept out much longer we must economise our provisions. I have no other fear for the present, unless the weather should change.”
“We can put our trust in God; we know that He orders everything for the best,” said Owen.
They ate a little more biscuit, which was divided in equal shares. Each took a small portion of fruit. Owen and Langton were looking towards Ashurst’s body.
“We shall not get in in time to bury it after all,” observed Langton; “we must give him a sailor’s grave.” It was time, indeed, to do so. “Before we launch the poor fellow overboard let us see what things he has about him,” said Langton.
He took a ring off Ashurst’s finger as he spoke. His watch and several smaller articles were found in his pockets.
“Here, Hartley, you had better take care of these,” he said, “as they may be of value to you in some way or other, or you can return them to his nearest kin, whom you are more likely to meet than I am. Come, Coffey, lend a hand here,” continued Langton, and between them, taking up the body of the young officer, they allowed it to slip overboard. Greatly to Owen’s satisfaction it sank immediately.