“The father spoke not—sighed not.
“Indeed he did not seem to breathe.
“With a rush like that of a cannon-ball, the middy and his precious burden descended to the water.
“Before the waves closed over them, twenty stout fellows, among them several officers, had dived from the bulwarks.
“Another short period of bitter suspense ensued.
“He rose.
“He was alive!
“His arms are seen to move!
“He struck out towards the ship!
“And despite of the discipline of a man-of-war three loud huzzas, an outburst of unfeigned and unrestrainable joy from the hearts of our numerous crew, pealed through the air and made the welkin ring.