"I owe my life to you, Bates!" he said.
"Maybe not, lad. We're in a tight place yet."
"Has the ship gone?"
"Most likely. The captain won't send back for either of us in a hurry."
"And you have made yourself a prisoner here for my sake?" asked Robert, moved by the noble conduct of the rough sailor.
"I couldn't abide to leave you alone. There's more chance for two than for one."
"Heaven bless you, Bates! I won't soon forget what you have done for me. Do you think there is any chance for us?"
"Of course there is, lad. We've got a boat, and we can live here till some vessel comes within sight."
"Let us go down to the shore, and see if we can see anything of the ship."
The two bent their steps to the shore, and looked out to sea. They could still see the ship, but it was already becoming a speck in the distant waters.