The poor mother was about to thank me,
supposing that I had been the means of saving him; but I pointed to
Rochford, who stood dripping wet on deck, as the man who had performed
the gallant act.

The judge wrung his hand. "I thank you, sir! I thank you!" he
exclaimed.

The mother burst into tears as she held the child to her heart; then
taking Rochford's hand, she pressed it to her lips. The nurse, seeing
the child was saved, quickly recovered, and exhibited her gratitude in
even a more demonstrative way than her master and mistress.

I came in for a share of their thanks when they were informed that I had
thrown the grating overboard which had contributed so much to save the
lives both of the little boy and our friend.

Rochford having assured those who had collected round him to pay
compliments, that he had really done nothing to deserve all the fine
things that were said, dived below to change his wet garments. In a
short time afterwards he appeared on deck as if nothing particular had
happened.

As may be supposed, he became a greater favourite than ever with the
judge and his wife; and even some of those who had before looked at him
askance, acknowledged that he was a very fine fellow.

The ship was again put before the wind, and away she stood on her
westward course.

Among those who looked upon Rochford as a hero was Tim Flanagan, who
regarded his fellow-countryman with unbounded admiration, and declared
himself ready to go through fire and water to serve him. Lejoillie had
also taken a great liking to him, and they frequently walked the deck
together, engaged in earnest conversation. Following the Frenchman's
advice, Rochford had been very careful not again to express his
political opinions in public, though he did not hesitate to talk freely
to me, as I have no doubt he did to the naturalist.

He was thus generally liked, and with the ladies, especially, he became
a great favourite. No one, indeed, would have considered him a
dangerous character, if one had seen him, whenever he could get little
Paul out of the black nurse's arms, carrying the child about and playing
with him on deck, but taking very good care that he should not again
slip through a port.

The weather continued brilliant; and the numerous sea-birds, which
flitted high in the air or hovered round the ship, told us that we were
nearing the end of our voyage.

CHAPTER TWO.

FIRST SIGHT OF LAND--ON BOARD THE "GREAT ALEXANDER"-