"We have got to sail by our wits, if we ever expect to reach a place of safety." And all that day they kept on, not knowing if they were heading in the proper direction or not.
It was just getting dusk of the second day of their voyage, when Tim Flynn, opening a forward locker to set out some things for the evening meal, made a startling discovery.
"The gig has sprung a leak!" he exclaimed.
"A leak!" cried the captain.
"Yes, this locker is half full of water, and all the stuff in it is soaked." It was true enough.

The salt water had come in through some opening of the seams of the previously tight compartment and had done much damage.

The victuals were only fit to throw overboard.
"Half rations from now on," said the captain sternly.
"Half rations!" repeated Mr.Tarbill.

"Why, I'm awful hungry!" "And you're liable to be for some days to come," answered the commander.

"We'll share and share alike, but every one will have to curb his appetite." "Oh, this dreadful shipwreck! I wish I had stayed home!" The others wished the same thing.
It was a night without hope, and the morning broke dull and gray, with the promise of a storm.