"They grew worse instead of better after you sailed away. More men died. Died, I think, of fever brought on by thirst. I, too, should have died but for that child Johnnie. I do believe he brought me a portion, and a large one too, of his own allowance of water.
"Then it seemed to be all darkness, all night, and when I opened my eyes at last I was no longer on the little island but at sea.
"I was lying under an awning on the quarter-deck of a tiny British man-o'-war called the Pen-Gun."
"But," said Duncan, "soon after we left you we sighted and communicated with a big steamer, and as far as we could make out she started off to your rescue."
"Well, she came not near us. But as long as I live I shall never forget the unremitting kindness and attention bestowed upon us by the officers of the Pen-Gun."
"And Morgan the mate?"
"Morgan has gone to England with the remainder of my crew, but after hearing from you through the captain of the bold Pen-Gun I determined to wait and wait, and had you not put in an appearance in another week's time, I was about to undertake an expedition into your charming King Goo-goo's land and effect your rescue by hook or by crook.
"That is all my little story; and now for yours."
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It was late that night before Talbot and his boys parted, for the tale of their adventures took a much longer time to tell.