CHAPTER VI.


THE DWELLER IN THE SUNKEN SHIP.

After a moment of horror Brandon walked away for a short distance, and
then turning he looked fixedly at the wreck for a long time.

Could this be indeed _the_ ship--_the Vishnu_? By what
marvelous coincidence had he thus fallen upon it? It was in 1828 that
the _Vishnu_ sailed from Calcutta for Manilla. Was it possible for
this vessel to be preserved so long? And if so, how did it get here?

Yet why not? As to its preservation that was no matter in itself for
wonder. East Indian vessels are sometimes built of mahogany, or other
woods which last for immense periods. Any wood might endure for eighteen
years if covered up by sand. Besides, this vessel he recollected had
been laden with staves and box shooks, with other wooden materials which
would keep it afloat. It might have drifted about these seas till the
currents bore it here. After all it was not so wonderful that this
should be the _Vishnu_ of Colonel Despard.

The true marvel was that he himself should have been cast ashore here on
the same place where this ship was.

He stood for a long time not caring to enter. His strength had been worn
down by the privations of his island life; his nerves, usually like
steel, were becoming unstrung; his mind had fallen into a morbid state,