“Diedrich Buys! Why, we have orders, I believe, to call at your settlement and see if you require anything.”
“My settlement exists no longer,” I replied sadly, and shortly told the officer of the calamitous flood that had overwhelmed us.
“You must come on board to De Witt at once,” he said. “Is there any water about here?”
I pointed out the place and, after directing the men to it, we were rowed back to the ship, the officer handing me a large cloak to cover myself with.
Once on deck the officer led me to a dignified looking man, who with the others was staring at me in some amazement.
“Captain De Witt,” he said, “this is Herr Diedrich Buys, whom I have been fortunate enough to rescue from these barren shores.”
De Witt stepped forward, and shook me warmly by the hand.
“I see,” he said, “that some terrible misfortune must have happened; but before you say anything, you must first be clothed and refreshed.”
At a word from him the officer conducted me to a large, roomy cabin, under the high poop. Here a sailor brought in a tub, which he filled with salt water, and the officer, who had gone away, returned with a suit of clothes, shoes, and linen. I enjoyed the bath, and found that the clothes fitted me to perfection. When nearly dressed, the captain’s servant came to the door, bringing with him comb and scissors. He cut my luxuriant locks off, and reduced my beard to the short, pointed peak now worn.
When I emerged from the cabin, and saw myself in a large mirror there was in the main cabin, I could scarce believe in the transformation.