"She is altering her course, Ready," said William.
"Yes, sir, she has hauled to the wind; she is afraid of coming too near to the reefs."
"Surely she is not leaving us!" exclaimed Mrs. Seagrave.
"No, madam; but she does not see us yet."
"She does! she does!" cried William, throwing up his hat; "see, she hoists her ensign."
"Very true, sir; she does see us. Thanks be to God!"
Mr. Seagrave embraced his wife, who threw herself sobbing into his arms, kissed his children with rapture, and wrung old Ready's hand. He was almost frantic with joy. William was equally delighted.
As soon as they were a little more composed, Ready observed: "Mr. Seagrave, that they have seen us is certain, and what we must now do is to get our own boat out of the sand. We know the passage through the reefs, and they do not. I doubt if they will, however, venture to send a boat on shore, until the wind moderates a little. You see, sir, it is blowing up very strong just now."
"But you don't think it will blow harder, Ready?"
"I am sorry to say, sir, that I do. It looks very threatening to the southward, and until the gale is over, they will not venture near an island so surrounded with rocks. It would be very imprudent if they did. However, sir, a few hours will decide."