"Noddy saved me, father. He jammed the boat-hook right into the shark's head. In another instant the creature would have had me in his mouth. O, father, it was such an awful death to think of—to be bitten by a shark!"
"Horrible!" groaned the father. "Noddy, your hand! You and I shall be friends to the last day of my life."
"Thank you, sir," replied the heroic boy, as he took the proffered hand. "I did the best I could; but I was so scared! I was afraid the shark would catch her in spite of me."
"God bless you, Noddy! But come on board, and we will talk it over."
Captain McClintock handed Mollie, still dripping with water, to Mr. Watts, who had been an interested spectator of the touching scene in the boat; and she was borne to the cabin amid the congratulations of the crew, with whom she was a great favorite.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE YELLOW FEVER.
Mollie went to her state-room, and changed her clothes; and she did not come out till she had kneeled down and poured forth another prayer of thanksgiving for her safety from the horrible monster that would have devoured her. Her father kissed her again, as she returned to the cabin. He was as grateful as she was, and he took no pains to conceal the emotions which agitated him.
"Now tell me all about it, Mollie," said he. "How happened you to fall overboard?"