They were about to return, when Ilda suddenly grasped Reginald’s arm convulsively.
“Look! look!” she cried, pointing seawards. “The ship! the ship! We are saved! We are saved!”
Chapter Twenty Three.
“She Threw Herself on the Sofa in an Agony of Grief.”
Nearer and nearer drew that ship, and bigger and bigger she seemed to grow, evidently with the intention of landing on the island.
Even with the naked eye they soon could see that her bulwarks were badly battered, and that her fore-topmast had been carried away.
Back they now hurried to leave Ilda and Matty at the palace. Then camp-wards with all speed; and just as they reached the barracks they could hear the rattling of the chains as both anchors were being let go in the bay.
A boat now left the vessel’s side, and our three heroes hurried down to meet it.