Just then Sir Edward opened his eyes, stared wildly around, and struggled weakly to arise.
"Where am I?" he gasped; "where am I?"
"In the Governor's barge," said Marbury. "Lie still."
Sir Edward's eyes closed; then, they opened again.
"I remember," he said, more strongly. "We overturned, and something struck me. What are we doing in the Governor's barge?"
"We picked you up," Miss Stirling answered. "We were fortunate enough to be close at hand."
Sir Edward tried to sit up; Martha Stirling sprang forward, and let him rest against her until they reached the wharf. Then, in the arms of two stout boatmen, he was borne ashore and up to the Governor's mansion. Here, he struggled to his feet.
"Put me down!" he said. "I have sufficiently recovered, and am, moreover, in no condition to present myself before his Excellency, or in such company. The ladies will accept, I know, my most grateful thanks and humble service, and permit me to retire, for the time. Wet clothes are most uncomfortable. I will to my lodgings. Mr. Marbury, your arm."