“Heaven help us—why, there’s a girl in the boat alone!”
“Lower a lifeboat, boys, and pull out for her.”
“Aye, aye, sir!” said the men, with eager hearts, for none have warmer than those who sail the ocean.
Louise’s heart bounded for joy when she saw the sturdy oarsmen come near. She would have fainted hours before, but now she wept with gratitude.
“It’s a long way ye are from home,” said one broad-shouldered sailor, as he lifted her in his arms like a child, and carried her into the lifeboat.
She was too weak to tell the story now, and wondering how it all happened the men carried back their precious freight to the ship.
The captain and officers showed her every kindness, offering her food when she could partake of it, and giving her every chance for rest and sleep.
“But we cannot take you home,” said the kind-hearted man. “We are on our way to America. It must be weeks before our return.”
“I am so thankful for all your kindness. I can wait anywhere, only so I send them word of my safety.”