of which he was in search.
But the manner in which that object presented itself to his view was so
startling that George's first impulse was to turn round and swim back
towards the _Aurora_ with all speed, an impulse which, however, was only
felt to be instantly overcome. The man was suddenly revealed, within
some six feet or so of George's grasp, as the latter rose upon the crest
of a sea; but, instead of swimming as George expected he would be, the
unfortunate creature was lying on his back, his ghastly white face
upturned to the sky, and his eyes fixed and staring, with that terrible
indescribable expression in them which tells at once and unmistakably
the dreadful tale of _madness_.

Very naturally, our hero felt a little doubtful as to the expediency of
placing himself within the grasp of a madman; he therefore, before
closing with him, exclaimed in a loud, cheery voice--

"Hillo, there! are you tired? If so, just say the word, and I'll drop
alongside and lend you a hand."

For all the visible effect this speech had on the stranger he might as
well have been stone-deaf, for he vouchsafed not the slightest notice.

George shouted again, with a like result, and then--still feeling very
doubtful as to the best mode of proceeding--he struck out, and swam
quietly round the ghastly floating figure. A stroke or two sufficed to
place him in such a position as enabled him at last to get a clear and
distinct view of the stranger's features, fully illumined by the glare
of the flames, and instant recognition followed.

"Walford!" he exclaimed. Then, without another moment's hesitation, he
dashed up and, throwing himself upon his back, seized his rival by the
hair and drew him into such a position as permitted of his taking
Walford's head upon his shoulder and supporting it high enough above the
surface to prevent the sea washing over it and so suffocating him.

Walford offered no resistance, and gave not the faintest sign of being
aware of George's presence; and there the two lay, quietly floating on
the bosom of the long heaving swell, until the boat came to their
assistance and conveyed them both on board the _Aurora_.

On reaching the ship, George had his rival promptly stripped, rubbed
vigorously down, and comfortably bestowed in his own berth, well and
warmly wrapped up in blankets, with Tom Price--one of the forecastle
hands, and a very smart, intelligent young fellow--to watch over him.
After which, the skip