"I see him not. I should feel that a great calamity had happened were he not to return," responded the British officer.
Captain Hull took the glass and looked at the approaching boat.
He knew Tempest so well that he was sure he would be the last to leave the sinking ship.
Tempest was not in the boat.
"Boat ahoy!" he shouted.
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Is Mr. Tempest with you?"
The answer came back clear and distinct.
"No, sir; he fell overboard and we could not find him."
Captain Dacres seemed more affected than did the American commander.