"No, sir; seeing I have a family to support, I won't refuse your kindness, and I thank you very much for the kind offer."
At that moment Violet drew near and stood at her husband's side. She spoke in tones trembling with emotion. "I have come to thank you, Clark, for the saving of my darling boy's life; for I know that but for the slowing of the engine both Jones and he might have lost their lives—sinking before help could reach them."
"You are very kind to look at it in that way, Mrs. Raymond," returned Clark, in tones that spoke his appreciation of her grateful feeling, "but it was very little that I did—cost hardly any exertion and no risk. Jones is, I think, the only one deserving much, if any, credit for the rescue of the little lad."
He paused a moment, then added, "But the Captain here has most generously offered me an increase of pay; for which I thank him most heartily."
"Oh, my dear, I am very glad to hear that!" exclaimed Violet, addressing her husband.
With the last word, her hand was slipped into his arm, and, with a parting nod to Clark, they turned and went back to the family group still gathered upon the deck under the awning.
They found Elsie with Tiny on her shoulder and Tee-tee on her lap.
"I must take care of them both now for awhile till Ned gets over that dreadful sea bath," she said, looking up smilingly at her parents as they drew near.
"Yes, daughter, that is right," replied her father, "it was no fault of little Tee-tee that his young master fell into the sea."
That evening Violet and the Captain had a quiet promenade on the deck together, in which they talked of those who had any share in the rescue of their little Ned, and what reward might be appropriate for each one.