"Marcus, pick out some of the No. 1 mackerel and the best cod and hake, and pull over where that fellow is waiting," said the captain, as he stepped on the deck of the Una; then turning to his guest, he said gleefully, "Those boys are still asleep, I reckon, but there they are safe and well down in my cabin," and he opened the door a little to look in. "Yes, sound asleep, the young rascals; won't they be surprised! I said I'd go out of my way to do 'em a favour to pay 'em for learnin' me that hymn tune, but they hadn't no idea what I meant to do."
The door moved by sliding, and when the captain pushed it open Ralph opened his eyes.
Was he dreaming, or was that Mr. Bernard's face looking down upon him, full of kindness and forgiveness?
No, it was no dream. Mr. Bernard was coming down the steps, and Ralph sprang from the berth to meet him, knowing before a word had been spoken that he was forgiven.
Just then Ben opened his eyes, and sleepily looked around.
What was that? Mr. Bernard with his arm around Ralph's shoulder.
Surely he was still asleep, and still in dreamland.
"O Ben, he forgives us--he has come for us," cried Ralph with quivering lips. "Isn't it too good to believe?"
Mr. Bernard held out his other hand to Ben, and drew him to his side.
"Where are we, Mr. Bernard, that we found you?" asked Ralph with a puzzled look.