When Wal Jessop arrived home, he found Edgar had just awoke out of a refreshing sleep, for which he felt much better.
‘I have brought you some new clothes,’ said Wal; ‘your garments were rather knocked about with rough usage. How do you feel now, my lad?’
‘Excepting the pain in my head, I am all right,’ said Edgar. ‘It is very good of you to purchase me clothes. I have lost all I had on board the ship. I put a draft in my coat-pocket, but I had to get rid of my coat to save our lives. I must let my father know I am saved, as he will be anxious about me when he hears of the wreck.’
‘I’ll send a cablegram,’ said Wal. ‘We can manage to advance you cash enough,’ he added, smiling. ‘Now put on your clothes and come and have a chat with the lassie.’
‘She’s a dear little child,’ said Edgar, ‘and the captain’s daughter.’
‘Poor Manton!’ said Wal; ‘I fancied as much. She’s got the look of her father about her.’
When Edgar appeared in the cosy room, he saw Eva quietly sitting on Mrs. Jessop’s knees. The child cried out, and slipping down, toddled towards him, holding out both hands.
Edgar clasped her in his arms and kissed her fondly.
‘Poor little Eva,’ he said. ‘I promised to save you if I could, and, now I have done so, I will look after you.’
Eva commenced to prattle in her childish way, and asked for her mother.