"I was careless, father. Noddy was persuading me to sit down at the moment when I went overboard," replied she.
"I was afraid of the sharks as soon as I knew what they were; and I was thinking what an awful thing it would be if she should fall overboard," added Noddy.
"If I had minded you, Noddy, I shouldn't have been in danger."
The story was told by the two little adventurers, each correcting or helping out the other, till the whole truth was obtained. It was evident to the captain and the mate, that Noddy had behaved with vigor and decision, and that, if he had been less prompt and energetic, poor Mollie must have become the victim of the ravenous shark.
"You have saved her life, Noddy; that's plain enough," said Captain McClintock, as he rose and went to his state-room.
"You were smart, my boy, and you deserve a great deal of credit," added Mr. Watts.
"I don't mind that; I was too glad to get her out of the water to think of anything else."
"Well, Noddy, you did good work that time, and you have won a great deal of honor by it."
"You shall win something better than that, Noddy," said the captain, as he returned to the cabin with a little bag in his hand. "Here are ten gold pieces, my boy—one hundred dollars."
He handed Noddy the bright coins; but the little hero's face flushed, and he looked as discontented as though he had been robbed of the honor of his exploit.