"And Joe Harper, the blacksmith," I interposed.
"They're there, sir."
"You don't mean those two—just those two—are drowned?" I said.
"No, sir; I don't say that; but God knows they have little chance."
I could not help thinking that God might know they were not in the smallest danger. But I only begged him to tell me where they were.
"Do you see that schooner there, just between you and the Castle-rock?"
"No," I answered; "I can see nothing. Stay. I fancy I can. But I am always ready to fancy I see a thing when I am told it is there. I can't say I see it."
"I can, though. The gentleman you mean, and Joe Harper too, are, I believe, on board of that schooner."
"Is she aground?"
"O dear no, sir. She's a light craft, and can swim there well enough. If she'd been aground, she'd ha' been ashore in pieces hours ago. But whether she'll ride it out, God only knows, as I said afore."