“Till this moment the old commodore stood unmoved.
“The gallant middy and the child were safe!
“The eyes that, glistening with pleasure, now sought his face, saw that it was ashy pale.
“He attempted to descend the horse-block, but his knees bent under him.
“He seemed to gasp for breath, and put up his hand, as if to tear open his vest, but, before he could accomplish his object, he staggered forward, and would have fallen on deck had he not been caught by old Black Jake.
“He was borne into his cabin, where the surgeon attended him, whose utmost skill was required to restore his mind to its usual equability and self-command, in which he at last happily succeeded.
“As soon as he had recovered from the dreadful shock, he sent for the gallant Ned and had a long confidential chat, but so overpowered was he, that he could only grasp Ned’s hand, as he said in a faint voice,
“‘Heaven bless you, my lad; you have proved yourself a hero, and worthy of the profession you have chosen. I shall write to the Admiralty directly and inform them of your grand feat, and I have no doubt promotion will attend it. At all events, Ned, accept my heartfelt thanks.’”
“‘You have made an old man happy and young again.’”