long."

As there was no danger of injuring the life-buoy, that was quickly got
on board. And now commenced our return to the ship. It required
careful steering to make our way amid those heavy seas, and still more
dangerous was it to get alongside. Oliver, who was scarcely conscious,
was first hoisted up. I was very glad of assistance to get up too; for
though I did not feel fatigued, my strength had really almost gone. No
sooner had I reached the deck than I found myself in Emily's arms.

"Dear, dear Walter!" she exclaimed; "you brave boy; and yet--" and she
burst into tears.

Mrs Davenport and Grace were close behind her. "You must come below,
Walter--come below and get off your wet things!" they exclaimed.

Merlin followed Potto Jumbo on deck, and, giving himself a thorough
shaking, came aft, wagging his tail, to receive the approving pats of
his friends; while the black cook, casting a look behind him, which
seemed to say that he was indifferent to the compliments which might
have been paid him, made his way forward into the fore-peak to shift his
wet clothes.

I will not repeat the complimentary things which were said to me by the
passengers. Mr Hooker wrung my hand.

"It was well and bravely done, Walter," he exclaimed. "I am glad to see
that you have got it in you."

"Oh! I did not think about it," I answered honestly. "I once before
picked a fellow out of the water, so I thought I ought to try to do it
again. I know there are a good many people who cannot swim, and I hoped
that I could do it."

I quickly had my wet things off, and made my appearance again on deck,
not much the worse for my exertions, though perhaps my hand did tremble
a little; and I was not sorry when the captain asked me into the
cuddy-cabin, and gave me a glass of wine.

"I am thankful that you saved that poor boy, Walter," he said, giving me
one of his kind looks. "I should be deeply grieved to lose him. He is
the only son of a widowed mother, and her heart would have been broken
had he been lost. He had shipped on board a vessel bound for the coast
of Africa, when I found him, and persuaded the captain to let him come
aboard my ship; for the crew were a rough lot, and he would have learned
no good among them, while the risk of losing his life on the coast would
have been very great. His poor mother had seen better days, I found. I
do not know much of her history, but I know she brought up two
daughters, and gave