“This is Lieut. O’Hara, of the Tritonia; Mrs. Frisbone.”
The young officer took off his cap, and bowed politely to the lady.
“Miss Louise Rodwood, my wife’s sister,” continued the prince.
O’Hara thought she was a very pretty girl, and he indulged in an extra flourish as he saluted her.
“With the compliments of the captain, I beg to tender you the hospitalities of the Tritonia,” said the lieutenant, when he had formally greeted the ladies.
“Good!” roared the American Prince. “That is a very pretty way to address a couple of shipwrecked women; and it is a credit to your bringing-up.”
“I beg to place our vessel at the disposal of the ladies; and whatever else we may not be able to do for you, we will keep the ship right side up.”
“That’s handsome; and the boat is all ready to take you to the steamer, Maggie.”
“I would rather drown where I am than attempt to get into that boat,” protested Mrs. Frisbone. “I saw it from the window in my room; and it jumps about like a wild horse.”
“I am sure I can’t slide down a rope into the boat as I saw that man come up,” added Miss Rodwood.