As she did so the mariner leapt down, and, as his feet again touched the deck of his craft, he drew a long breath.
"'Twas a fearful moment," he said, "I ne'er before looked down whilst so close upon the eternal bed of many a tall and stately vessel. 'Twas a moment that told of life or death."
"'Tis passed, then," said the youth; "see, we are driving away from yonder white gallopers, who seem to course each other in an endless chase."
"'Tis passed, for this time," said the mariner; "but we are on a fearful coast on such an evening as this. Methought I know each foot of these waters; but in such a driving gale 'tis scarce possible to know our course."
"And what then will you do?" inquired the youth.
"Still make for the mouth of the haven I told you of," said the captain; "and which leads us to safety, if we can hit it."
"No easy matter, methinks," said the youth, "in such a gale, eh?"
"Nevertheless, I do not despair," returned the mariner. "My youth has been passed upon these very seas. But this is no weather for your Excellency," he continued respectfully, taking the youth's hand, and leading him towards the cabin of the half-decked vessel.
"You forget I am the commander in this expedition," said the youth, smiling.
"Only of the land-forces," said the mariner, returning the smile; "the vessel, by our compact, I am to be captain of."