The third cutter had been lowered into the water as soon as the ship's headway was stopped, and was now within a few yards of the buoy.
"Will you forgive me, Pelham? I was beside myself," said Shuffles, when his companion had recovered breath after his exertions.
"You have saved me, Shuffles. I should have gone down without you."
"Will you forgive me?" pleaded the penitent. "I did not mean to injure you."
"Never mind it; we won't say a word about it," answered Pelham, as the boat came up.
They were assisted into the cutter, and the oarsmen pulled back to the ship. When the party reached the deck, a cheer burst from a portion of the crew; but Wilton, Monroe, and a few others, believing that Pelham had "fallen overboard accidentally," were appalled at the probable consequences of the event.
Pelham was assisted to the after cabin, where Dr. Winstock immediately attended him. He was not seriously injured; and the next day he was able to be on deck, and do duty.
"How was that?" asked Wilton, when Shuffles had changed his clothes, and warmed himself at the stove, as they met in the waist.
Shuffles looked sad and solemn. He made no reply.
"Did he fall overboard accidentally?" demanded Wilton.