was under water.

"Truly it is a marvel that we struck this reef just in this particular
place, instead of there where it breaks off so abruptly," said the
Captain, "yet we are not in a fortunate position. We have been saved
from sudden death, but in its place we shall have a lingering and
perhaps more agonizing one. The ship is a total loss. The provisions
in the stern are under water, and the nearest port is a thousand miles
away."--Today the great island of Bougainville, on the east coast of
which the "St. George" stranded, belongs to Germany, and now it is not
so difficult for those who meet with misfortunes at sea to reach a
German harbor, but at the time of my story the nearest ports were those
of Australia and New Caledonia.--"How are three hundred Chinamen to
live here for an indefinite length of time?"

The full light of day revealed the fact that the reef which was of
great length was only a few feet wide and separated from the main land
by an inlet of water. The first thing that the Captain did was to
order the Chinamen to take what was left of the sails and build
themselves tents; then he gave his attention to the question of the
water supply.

"We must cross to the main land and get some drinking water," he said,
"for we have only one cask left."

"Just enough to last the big boat on its trip to Australia," whispered
Redfox to the Captain. "You and I and Gray, and a couple of the
strongest of the young fellows will attempt the journey. Let Green and
the boys stay here with the Chinamen until we bring help. Our plans
will come out all right after all. The half million for which the ship