The two bergs were within a hundred yards of each other, and the smaller of the two, being more easily moved by the current probably, was setting down on the larger at a rate that bade fair to decide the fate of the _Dolphin_ in a few minutes.

The men rowed lustily, but their utmost exertions could move the ship but slowly.

Aid was coming, however, direct from the hand of Him who is a refuge in the time of danger.

A breeze was creeping over the calm sea right astern, and it was to meet this that the studding-sails had been set a-low and aloft, so that the wide-spreading canvas, projecting far to the right and left, had, to an inexperienced eye, the appearance of being out of all proportion to the little hull by which it was supported.
With breathless anxiety those on board stood watching the two bergs and the approaching breeze.
At last it came.

A few cat's-paws ruffled the surface of the sea, distending the sails for a moment, then leaving them flat and loose as before.