It appeared as if the contemplation of this spectacle had hitherto kept every one on board the Albatross from any consideration for the sufferers; but a suggestion having been made, immediately each person seemed to exceed the other in anxiety to render them assistance.
“Burn a blue light at the mast head!” exclaimed the captain.
“Ay, ay, Sir,” responded Hearty.
“Set up every stitch of canvass she’ll bear,” continued the captain.
“Ay, ay, Sir,” repeated the other.
“Put her machine to the fullest speed!”
“Ay, ay, Sir!” was again the ready exclamation.
“And bear right down upon the spot where the flames were last seen.”
“Ay, ay, Sir.”
In a moment the deck, the sails, and rigging were enveloped in a bright blue flame, that gave the vessel and its crew the appearance of the ship of death freighted with spectres; and the Albatross was rushing through the waves with the velocity of lightning.