“Better bring Miss Chapin to the ‘Castoga’s’ boat, Captain,” Dave called. “It’s larger. We’ll take her directly to the gunboat and have the surgeon attend her.”
The boatswain’s mate ran the naval launch up within easy distance, and Miss Chapin was lifted aboard.
On one of the cushions Miss Chapin was laid, while all gathered about her anxiously.
“Make the ‘Castoga’ with all speed,” ordered Ensign Hale. “The young lady must have prompt attention.”
On the way to the “Castoga” Captain Chapin did everything he could think of to revive his sister. The others stood about, ready to help.
Then it was that Dave happened, for the first time, to face the rescuer.
“Pembroke!” he called in astonishment.
“Howdy do?” asked the Englishman, with a smile holding out his hand.
Though Dave felt himself chilling with suspicion of the pleasant stranger, he could not withhold his hand.
“I was on my way out to visit your ship,” smiled Pembroke, as he released Dave’s hand after a warm grip. “Captain Chapin was good enough to say that he would present me on board.”