“Why I advises this,” replied the old man: “I thinks it’s best, under all the ’cumstances o’ the case, for a boat to be sent a little forrard takin soundins, while I takes the helm and pilots the ship ’cordingly.”
“Let it be done, then,” said Master Porphyry; “and as I have the greatest confidence in your skill and experience, and as I wish to show in some appropriate manner how much I regard the fidelity and courage you have evinced in my service, from this time I intrust the entire management of the ship to you, allowing you to choose your own officers from among those of your shipmates whom you think most fitted for the duties you will require from them.”
At this announcement a cheer of loud congratulation proceeded from the delighted crew, among whom Hearty, by the inoffensiveness of his conduct, his general kindness, and approved courage, had become remarkably popular; but the old seaman appeared as if he did not know what to make of so unexpected a piece of intelligence. His honest, weather-beaten countenance assumed a variety of different expressions, and his confusion for some time prevented his utterance. However, at last, making an effort, he stammered, and as well as the state of his feelings would allow,—
“Thank ’ee, sir. But though I desarves nuffin o’ the sort, and ar’n’t hardly got gumption enough for the sitivation, I’ll do all as I can as long as there’s a timber afloat in this here craft, or as long as ever I can be of any sarvice to the owners.”
Two men then went in a boat in advance of the ship, taking soundings as they rowed along, the result of which they continued to cry out to Hearty, who with firm hand and steady eye stood at the helm, skilfully piloting the ship through the midst of the rocks. Notwithstanding the caution that was used, she was aground more than once; but immediately she touched, she was backed off the rock by the skilful seamanship of the anxious sailors; and in this way she floated slowly along, threading the intricacies of this dangerous navigation, till she passed from amidst the breakers into the open sea. It was an arduous task, and one full of peril to the Albatross and her gallant crew; and it was not without considerable anxiety that Oriel Porphyry and his companions watched the vessel’s progress from the deck. They spoke not to each other, but looked to the huge masses of granite that rose around them—and listened to the cry of the men in the boat with an interest that had swallowed up every other consideration. But when the ship was seen safely clearing her way through the deep waters, leaving the foaming breakers far in her rear, each looked upon his neighbour as if congratulating him on his escape; and Hearty, when he gave the helm into the hands of Boggle, received the sincere thanks of all whom by his skill he had saved from destruction.
“Zabra, you seem ill! What ails you?” exclaimed Oriel Porphyry, noticing for the first time that the eyes of his young associate looked dim and unsteady, and that he appeared as if unable, from weakness, to keep his footing on the deck.
“Nothing, Oriel, nothing!” replied Zabra, faintly, as he caught hold of the arm of his patron.
“Nay,” cried the merchant’s son, in tones of affectionate solicitude—“you are wounded. I see the blood trickling through your vest. How strange I should not have observed it before, and how wrong of you not to have mentioned it. Doctor Tourniquet!” cried he to the surgeon, who was discussing with the professor the philosophy of cause and effect, “here is one who requires your immediate attention. I hope there is nothing of much consequence, but whatever it may be, let it receive all your skill.”
Doctor Tourniquet hurried to his patient; but not without evincing much concern in his good-natured countenance, when he noticed by whom he was wanted.