The pump was now working steadily, the gangs of convicts relieving each other by turns.

On sounding the well, he found that the water had fallen nine inches since he had last ascertained its depth.

Going on deck, he found that a misty light filled the air, and that morning was breaking.
The captain had two or three times come down to the hold, to watch the progress of the work.

Reuben reported to him its completion, and the fall in the water.
"Yes, it's been falling the last hour," the captain said.

"She will do now.