Then, holding out his hand, he pressed Leslie’s in a firm strong grip.
“Leslie,” he said, with his lips close to his companion’s ear, “you have saved my life.”
Neither spoke much after that, but they crouched there—in turn using the glass.
Once Van Heldre grasped his companion’s arm and pointed out to sea.
“A ship?” cried Leslie.
“No. Come down now.”
Waiting till the wind had dropped for the moment, they reached the rough flight of steps, and on returning to the level found that the crowd had greatly increased; and among them Leslie saw Harry Vine and his companion.
“Can’t see un, sir, can you?” shouted one of the men.
Van Heldre shook his head.
“I thought you wouldn’t, sir,” shouted another. “Capt’n Muskerry’s too good a sailor to try and make this port in such a storm.”