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The ominous words of the old sailor rushed to the mind of Gus: "Not a soul on board the Mermaid would live to see the sun rise again!"

How true his words seemed likely to prove!

"We will soon follow them!" said Gus, turning to the captain.

"God liveth!" was the solemn answer. "He holdeth the ocean in the hollow of His hand. Trust in Him!"

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"Rise! for the day is breaking

Though the dull night be long!

Rise! God is not forsaking

Thy heart—be strong—be strong."

For a few moments the survivors of the wreck stood silent. With death staring them in the face, men are not inclined to be loquacious. Each one inwardly commended his soul to his Maker, and strove to nerve himself to fearlessly meet his doom.

"And can we not even make an effort to save our lives?" said Fred, at last. "Must we die without one attempt to escape the doom which threatens us?"

"While there is life there is hope," said the captain. "Ha!" he exclaimed, as if suddenly struck by a new thought, "here are plenty of loose spars and ropes; why not make a raft."