To land at the same spot whence they had started proved to be impossible; but the crowd on shore followed the boat, and when it at length came in, friends were at hand to give a hearty welcome.
A rush was made, and strong arms helped to haul it in. The pale foreigners, snatched from the very jaws of death, were eagerly taken care of, fed and warmed and guarded. And old Adams, the coxswain, vigorous as any young man, despite his years, received such an ovation as he had never known yet. He deserved it well.
"And oh, John, if you had not given that money, the lifeboat might not be here yet!" Mildred said, her face glowing as she turned to speak to him.
Then she found the Vicar to be a listener also.
"Some of us have suspected this," Mr. Gilbert said, warmly grasping Mr. Willoughby's hand. "Forgive me for hearing; I did not intend to hear what was not meant for me. But I am glad to know it; very glad. And you may well be thankful to have helped in bringing this about. I'll say no more as to that, if you would rather not."
"I am thankful," John Willoughby said quietly. "And I am thankful for something else too. A great happiness has come into my life. You may congratulate me upon that, if you wish."
"Eh! What is that?" asked the Vicar. For the moment he forgot what had passed between himself and Mr. Willoughby as to Mildred. Then he remembered, and a smile crept into his face. "Ah!" he said. "Yes; I think I understand."
"This dear woman has promised to be my wife."
"Then I do congratulate you most heartily; and I am only sorry to think that we shall lose her from our midst."
"But perhaps it will not be losing, sir," Mildred said softly.