CHAPTER V
THE TITLED GENTLEMEN OF THE TRAVANCORE
The first and second cutters of the Guardian-Mother were struggling bravely with the huge billows, but not making very rapid progress, though the gale was in their favor. The eleven men floundering in the water where the wreck had disappeared under them were provided with life-preservers, it was now discovered, and their chances were somewhat less desperate than they were at first taken to be. But the waves rudely knocked them about, and sometimes upset them so as to require a struggle to regain their upright position.
"The Blanche is close aboard of us, Captain Ringgold," said Mr. Gaskette. "She is running at full speed for a position on our port hand."
"Very good," replied the commander. "That is the right thing for her to do, if she don't come too near us."
"She is at a safe distance, sir, and her starboard quarter-boat is manned and ready to drop into the water."
"Captain Sharp will do the right thing at the right time," replied the commander, whose gaze was riveted upon the struggling party in the water.
"I trust we shall be able to save the whole of them."
"The chances are good for it," answered the second officer.
"How is the second cutter doing?" inquired Captain Ringgold.