“Oh, Olly! how can I thank you?” he cried. “You saved my life!” And the tears streamed down his cheeks.
“Don’t try to do it, Gus. I know you would have done as much for me if it was necessary.”
“I don’t know. You are awfully brave. I’ll never forget it as long as I live!”
“I guess you’ve had enough adventures on this trip,” said Oliver. He found his own eyes growing moist, and he thought best to turn the matter into a laugh.
“Yes, indeed! I sha’n’t attempt another thing while I am on board.”
On the following day the steamer sighted Mazatlan. The course of the Polly Eliza was now directly across the bay of Lower California.
“We shall soon be in sight of Cape St. Lucas,” said Captain Morris; “and unless something happens we’ll soon reach the Golden Gate.”
Fortunately the weather remained fine, and the little party was thus enabled to spend the days on deck. Much about the little coast steamer pleased the boys, and Captain Morris and the others made every effort to have the time pass pleasantly.
“It won’t be long afore we part,” he said to Oliver. “I trust we may meet again some day; but if we don’t you can make up your mind that I’ll never forget what you did towards saving the Polly Eliza from destruction.”