"I am safe, father, thanks to Captain Shuffles," replied Feodora, turning to the young commander.
"His Lordship, the Earl of Blankville," interposed Sir William, introducing the hero of the day.
The gentleman grasped the hand of Shuffles, and expressed his gratitude in the warmest terms.
"We have heard part of the story, and we watched the boat till it disappeared in the distance," added his lordship. "It was a terrible hour for us all."
"Worse than death," sighed the countess, as she pressed her daughter to her heart again.
"Mr. Lowington assured us that the young man who had so daringly thrown himself into the boat would certainly take her to the shore. But we could only hope, rather than believe."
"It was a heavy blow," said Shuffles.
"It was fearful!" exclaimed the earl, with a shudder, as he thought of the anxiety and terror they had endured. "I owe you an everlasting debt of gratitude."
"I only did what the occasion seemed to require of me, and I am as thankful as any one can be, that I succeeded in getting the boat to the shore," answered Shuffles.
"It was remarkably fortunate that you were at hand, for I don't believe there is another person on the continent of Europe who could have managed the matter so cleverly."