And as the great steamer came around in water almost smooth, the captain came up and drew Hattie Butler into the pilot-house.
“Young lady,” said he, “you have saved this steamer and the lives of all on board. This night my wife would have been a widow and my children orphans but for you. Five minutes more and we would have been head onto the rocks among the breakers! What is your name?”
“Hattie Butler!” gasped our heroine. “Are we safe now?”
“Yes, I know just where we are, and can head my course and make Fall River in the morning, but perhaps too late for the train. If I was worth a million dollars I would give every cent to you, for death and ruin stood face to face to us.”
“Captain, I have only done my duty as an instrument in the hands of God. It was He who sent me from the state-room, where I could not sleep, up here, where I could see the light-house when I did.”
“Heaven be thanked with you,” said the old captain, reverently, and he bowed his head.
“If all is safe now I will go to my room,” said Hattie.
“It is. At breakfast I want you at my right hand at table. We will be in smooth water then, please Heaven. I will steady you with my arm as you go below, for the steamer pitches heavily with her head off, as it is, from the wind.”
And gratefully the captain took Hattie down to her room, and then went back to his post.