The first thief, he whose wrist Seaman Rogers had broken, had promptly vanished. Unmolested, the blue-jackets escorted the carriage out on to a dock next to the one at which the launch from the "Long Island" lay.
Dave himself assisted the woman to alight from her carriage on the dock, at the end of which lay an American steamship.
After she had thanked the young officer earnestly, Darrin, cap in hand, remarked:
"I am afraid I shall have to trouble you, madam, for your name. I shall have to turn in a report on this occurrence on my return to my ship."
"I am Mrs. Alice Black," replied the woman. "My home is in Elberon,
Ohio, and I shall probably go there soon after I reach New York.
This steamship does not sail immediately, but my money will be
safe on board with the purser."
Darrin gave his own name.
"You have done me the greatest service possible, Mr. Darrin, for you have saved me from utter poverty."
"Then I am very glad indeed," Dave assured her, and promptly took his leave.
Before going off the dock Darrin secured the name of the boatswain's mate, also, for inclusion in his report.
Then, with Rogers, he returned to the launch and was speedily back on his own ship.