In feeble accents he makes answer, and continues to call out, till other voices, echoing along the Condor’s decks, become commingled with his own.
Then there are footsteps on the quarterdeck, soon after heard descending the cabin-stair.
The handle is turned, the door pushed open, and a swish of fresh air sweeps in, men along with it; as they enter, giving utterance to wild exclamations.
Wrenching his neck around, he sees there are two of them, both in the uniform of naval officers, and both known to him!
Their presence causes him strange emotions, and many—too many for his strength so long and sorely tried.
Overpowered by the sight, he becomes unconscious, as though instead of gladdening, it had suddenly deprived him of life!