Dick Thuddichum, a seaman who had gone
off in the boat, and had assisted him up the side. (Dick ought before
to have been introduced. He was a fine specimen of a sailor, with his
broad shoulders and big bushy beard and whiskers. He had come on board
with the young officer, and, judging by the eager way in which he had
leaped into the boat going off to his rescue, was attached to him with
no ordinary attachment.) Violet stopped short as she got close to
Reginald, for already he was surrounded by most of the officers and
passengers, eager to shake him by the hand and compliment him on his
intrepidity. Reginald saw her, and would have sprung forward, when,
just as she had faintly murmured an expression of thankfulness, her
father came up in time to save her, overcome by her feelings, from
sinking on the deck. He then, after heartily congratulating Reginald,
led his daughter into the cabin.

"Though I am thankful that the young man has been saved, I may have
cause to regret that we have met him, if you allow too great an
admiration of his gallantry and personal qualities to take possession of
your heart," remarked the colonel. "Be cautious in future. We know
nothing of his birth or position; and, attractive as are his manners, he
may be merely an unprincipled adventurer--though I hope I should wrong
him by thinking so. Now lie down and rest, for it may be better not to
appear at the tea-table."

Violet promised to do as her father advised; but before throwing herself
on her bed, she knelt down and poured out her grateful thanks to Heaven
for Reginald's preservation.

The latter, meanwhile, nearly overwhelmed with compliments and
congratulations, had been led by the doctor to his berth.

"Come, come, Mr Hamerton," said the medico; "I have looked after young
Andrews, and I must now see to you. You may think yourself made of
iron, but the human frame cannot endure the strain you have put on it
without reaction; and we shall have you on the sick-list to-morrow,
unless you take due precautions."

An unwonted sensation of weakness warned Reginald that the doctor was
right; and following his advice, he turned in--inclined to be obedient
also for the sake of avoiding the further compliments he felt sure the
ladies would be disposed to pay him. The only gentleman who had not
spoken to him was Captain Hawkesford, who had turned away when he saw
that he was safe, uttering an expression of bitter ill-feeling.

"She wi