my
head. Let me try, sir."

The commander replied, "We have not a second to spare. You're admiral
here! Take the helm and lead us through!"

Herve Riel was as prompt as the commander, and seizing the tiller, he
soon had the great ship sailing along under perfect control. She went
into the narrow channel, with the great rocks high on both sides. The
waves beat up angrily and the breakers threw their spray high over the
decks. With eyes fixed on the channel and both hands on the helm, he
guided the staunch vessel on the winding course. Time and again it
seemed as though she must be wrecked, but just at the moment of greatest
danger Herve Riel shifted the helm, and the stately ship moved safely
on. With hearts beating high, the officers watched the wonderful deed,
and the frightened sailors clung speechless to the rail. Finally,
between two great rocks that seemed to block the channel completely, the
ship sailed majestically into the harbor, and Herve Riel had kept his
promise. Not once had the great _Formidable_ touched her keel to a rock;
not a scratch, except the battle scars, marred her fair sides.

After her, one by one, came the other ships of the squadron, till all
were anchored safely in the harbor. Just as the last ship came to
anchor, the English fleet, coming up in helpless anger, began to throw
shells across the passage. The French, however, were out of range and
could laugh at the fruitless attempts of their enemy. With one voice the
captains and sailors of the rescued fleet shouted, "Herve Riel! Herve
Riel! Now, let the king of France reward the man who has saved his
fleet!"

And what of the brave sailor? He stood calm and quiet without a gleam of
pride in his frank blue eyes. Just the same man as he was before his
gallant deed, he answered the commander's call and stood before him.

"My friend," began the commander, "I can scarcely speak, but you know
praise comes from the heart and not from the lips. You have saved the
fleet from certain destruction and have preserved the lives of many of
your countrymen. No reward is too great for you. Ask what you will and
it shall be granted."

Herve Riel's blue eyes danced with merriment as he said, "Now that my
work is over I would like, if I may have it, one whole day to visit my
wife, whom I call 'Beautiful Aurora,' and who lives just a little way
from Saint Malo. That is all I want. May I go?"

You can imagine whether or not his request was granted.

Now,