"But do they not know we are coming? Have they no light on board? How can we get upon deck?" we asked anxiously.
"O, they will bring a lantern, I guess," laughed the sailor, then thinking to put us at our ease, he called lustily as he rested himself at his oars. Not getting a reply, he shouted again.
Presently two men appeared with as many lanterns.
"Here, you fellows, get a move on, and help these ladies on board, will you? Were you asleep, hey?"
"Wall, no, not 'zactly, sah, but I'se done been working hard today," it was the colored cook replying, as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.
"Haul up alongside this dory," said the other man as he put his lantern down, "and let the ladies get into that first, then we'll help 'em up here."
With that we climbed out as we best could in the darkness, one after another, the boys assisting, until we all stood laughing in the little cabin, and counted noses.
"Are we all here?" asked Mr. G., who, as usual had a thoughtful care over all.
"All here, I think, but the baggage. How about that?" said I.
"I'll see to that," and he was already on deck, while I continued counting.