WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 1^7 



to lighting large fires in the wood, to dry their 

 bedding and clothes. Nothing yet in sight from 

 our look-out. Our sick list numbered about 

 eleven, who were seriously ill, but many more 

 were complaining from rheumatism ; but the 

 hope, which was kept alive, of our being succoured 

 made them bear their pains patiently. Mustered 

 our arms as usual, and prepared and lighted the 

 signal fires on the hills. The evening proved 

 dark and foggy. 



July 2. — Wind n. w. and n. The weather 

 remained thick, with rain at times. No- 

 thing visible in the offing : and our hope of 

 seeing the schooner at an end. As the weather 

 permitted, the crew were occupied in preparing 

 wood for the camp and hill fires. A supply of 

 potatoes arrived from the northward for us, and 

 proved most seasonable, as our stock was nearly 

 exhausted. One addition was made to our sick 

 list ; Mr. Lane, the assistant surgeon, was 

 amongst the seriously ill with fever. A portion 

 of clothing, &c., was dried by fire during the 

 day. The weather cleared towards evening, and 

 at intervals the moon was seen, which, for a 

 length of time, with us, had been a rare occur- 

 rence. 



