They cast overboard everything they could pull out of the deck--chains,
shrouds, and torn rigging.

From time to time the chief took a torch, and throwing its light on the
figures painted on the prow to show the draught of water, looked to see
how deep the wreck had settled down.




CHAPTER XVIII.

THE HIGHEST RESOURCE.


The wreck being lightened, was sinking more slowly, but none the less
surely.

The hopelessness of their situation was without resource--without
mitigation; they had exhausted their last expedient.

"Is there anything else we can throw overboard?"

The doctor, whom every one had forgotten, rose from the companion, and
said,

"Yes."

"What?" asked the chief.