“‘There is no fear; that brave youth swims like a duck; the cutter is out, and will reach them in a few minutes.’
“This little dialogue, whilst the ship was hove in stays, was related to me afterwards by the first lieutenant. In a few minutes the boat was lowered and manned, and in less than ten minutes we were lifted into her. Young Renaudin put his arms round my neck, and kissing me, said—
“‘Papa will always love you, and make you rich; and I will love you dearly. I was a very naughty boy.’
“Oh, how the father pressed the child to his heart, the tears streaming down his cheeks! he shook my hand with fervour, merely saying—
“‘Go, change your clothes; I owe you my boy’s life.’
“The next day I was sent for to the quarter-deck; the first lieutenant came up to me, saying I was to follow him to the captain’s state-room. Alfred Renaudin, nothing the worse for his dip, rushed to me, and threw his arms round my neck, saying—
“‘Mind, papa, what you promised me, and I’ll never be naughty again.’
“‘I owe you my child’s life,’ said Captain Renaudin, looking at me with great attention, and, I thought, some surprise. ‘I find you are entered on the ship’s books as Julian Coulancourt—is that your name?’
“‘No, Monsieur; Coulancourt is my mother’s name. Mine is Julian Arden. I am an Englishman by birth.’
“‘How is that?’ exclaimed the Captain; ‘there is but one family in France of the name of Coulancourt, and a high family it is. If your mother was a Coulancourt, how do you bear the name of Arden?’