“You’re searching for Henry, I think?”
“Yes, boy. I am,” answered the pirate, and a gleam of kindliness crossed his face for a moment, but it was quickly chased away by a look of deep anxiety, and Corrie retired.
Now that the danger of the night was over, all the people on board became anxious to save Henry or ascertain his fate; but although they searched the ocean far and wide, they saw not a vestige of him or of the Wasp. During this period Gascoyne acted like a bewildered man. He never quitted the helm, night nor day. He only ate a biscuit now and then when it was brought to him, and he did not answer when he was spoken to.
Every one felt sympathy with the man who seemed to mourn so deeply for the lost youth.
At last Montague went up to him and said in a gentle voice—
“I fear that Henry is gone.”
Gascoyne started as if a sword had pierced him. For one moment he looked fiercely in the young captain’s face; then an expression of the deepest sadness overspread his countenance as he said—
“Do you think there is no hope?”
“None,” said Montague. “I grieve to give pain to one who seems to have been an intimate friend of the lad.”
“He was the son of my oldest and best friend. What would you advise, Mr Montague?”