Just after the finish of the meal the surgeon returned, bringing with him this time the ship's master, one Kennor, who spoke with a strong accent. Dave expressed his thanks for the fine care that had been given him.
"And you muss der mate meet," declared Captain Kennor, beaming. "He it vass who show der light in your face, und den der noose was over you drop."
So presently Dave followed these new friends to the deck, where he was introduced to the mate. He also, through Dr. Valpak, thanked the sailor who had cast the bucket-line overboard. The seaman who had dropped the noose around him spoke English fluently. Dave shook hands with both sailors. He then followed Captain Kennor and the mate to the bridge.
"You carry only freight?" Dave asked.
"Somedimes passengers," replied Captain Kennor. "Two we have dis time. An English lawyer und hiss young vife."
The pair just mentioned were seen walking on the spar deck forward. The man was well past middle age, of fine, rather sharp features and with thick gray hair. The woman did not appear to be above the age of twenty-five.
Captain Kennor escorted Dave down and introduced him to Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Launce.
"One doesn't often hear a story like that of your rescue," said Mr. Launce.
"It would have killed you, had you been an ordinary man," shivered Mrs. Launce.
"Thank you for the inference," Darrin laughed.