'No!' I cried, 'there are no valuables, no money—nothing but food and drink.'
'Come aboard, Jacob, arter ye've chucked up what's loose for firewood.'
Presently the lantern flashed as it was passed across the rail, and the figure of the man followed.
'Shove her clear!' was bawled, and shortly afterwards, 'Up foresail!'
The dark square of sail mounted, and one of the men came aft to the helm. Nothing was said until the sheet had been hauled aft, and the little craft was softly rippling along over the smooth folds of the swell, communicating a sensation so buoyant, so vital after the flat mechanical swaying and slanting of the inert raft, that the mere feeling of it to me was as potent in virtue as some life-giving dram.
The other two men came out of the bows and seated themselves, placing the lighted lantern in the midst of us, and so we sat staring at one another.
'Men,' said I, 'you have rescued us from a horrible situation. I thank you for my life, and I thank you for this lady's life.'
'How long have ye been washing about, sir?' said the man at the helm.
'Since Monday night,' said I.
'A bad job!' said he; 'but you'll have had it foine since Monday night. Anyone perish aboard your raft?'