On inquiry, I learned that during my confinement, but one person had visited me. But who she was, or where she came from, none could tell. She called once after my reason was restored, and on learning of that fact, said “Thank God!” and left.
I immediately returned to my possessions, and instituted inquiries about my wife and children. I learned that they were all drowned by a flood in America, and that my wife was dead.
Not so fast, old man! ejaculated Frost between the puffs of his pipe. You heard what is not true. Your wife was not dead.
Not dead? exclaimed his Lordship jumping to his feet. Not dead? How know you that?
Now, old man, don’t get excited. Just sit down and let me tell you something you don’t know. But before I start on this cruise I want to be sure that I have got good bottom to anchor on and the right signals to hoist in case of danger, and if you can see and know the signals, I will weigh anchor and sail in. What do you say to that—jerking a piece of canvas from the wall. Can you call that signal by name?
Amy—my long lost Amy! he exclaimed. Tell me—oh tell me does she still live?
Now, old man, I told you I would tell you something you didn’t know, but you must keep quiet. The best ships will drag anchor in a gale. So don’t get up a breeze until we get clear of the headland.
My good man, don’t keep me in suspense. If you know anything of my lost wife, tell at once.
That is just what I am going to do, but you mustn’t hurry me. It’s dangerous to get in a great hurry. Many a ship has been wrecked because some one has got in too great of a hurry. In fact, my Lord, I think that if you hadn’t hurried things so fast this meeting would not have taken place in my house.