They thought that all was over, and that the boat had sunk; but no, it rose once more, although more than half filled with water.
The Lieutenant uttered a cry of despair. Where was Norman? The poor old sailor had disappeared !
Mrs Paulina Barnett looked inquiringly at Hobson.
"Norman!" he repeated, pointing to his empty place.
"Unhappy man !" murmured Mrs Barnett; and at the risk of being flung from the boat rocking on the waves, the two started to their feet and looked around them. But they could see and hear nothing. No cry for help broke upon their ears. No dead body floated in the white foam. The old sailor had met his death in the element he loved so well.
Mrs Barnett and Hobson sank back upon their seats. They were now alone, and must see to their own safety; but neither of them knew anything of the management of a boat, and even an experienced hand could scarcely have controlled it now. They were at the mercy of the waves, and the bark, with distended sail, swept along in mad career. What could the Lieutenant do to check or direct its course?
What a terrible situation for our travellers, to be thus overtaken by a tempest in a frail bark which they could not manage !
"We are lost!" said the Lieutenant.
"No, Lieutenant," replied Mrs Barnett; "let us make another effort. Heaven helps those who help themselves !"
Lieutenant Hobson now for the first time realised with how intrepid a woman fate had thrown him.