"It looks marvellously as if they were coming out for us," said Mr. Waldo.
"Can it be possible, Mr. Albert, that we are to land in boats such a night as this?" continued he.
"It looks like it," replied the other. "Yes, they are really coming here."
The boats were now seen evidently advancing towards the steamer. They came on in a line, struggling fearfully with the waves.
"They look like spectres of boats," said Mr. George to Rollo.
Mr. Albert now went round to the other side of the companion way, to the place where the two ladies were sitting.
"Ladies," said he, "I am very sorry to say that we shall be obliged to land in boats."
"In boats!" said the ladies, surprised.
"Yes," said Mr. Albert, "the tide is out, and I suppose we cannot go into port. The steamer has come to, and the boats are coming alongside."
The ladies looked out over the dark and stormy water with an emotion of fear, but they did not say a word.