The sounds ceased, and the vessel came looming up slowly, more slowly, until she stopped.
"What is that?—a boat?" exclaimed a strong bass voice.
"Yes!" answered the boatswain. "We've been shipwrecked; we're adrift in a quarter-boat."
"Can you bring her alongside?"
"Aye, aye, sir!"
I threw out an oar, but trembled so violently that it was as much as I could do to work it. We headed the boat for the steamer, and rowed towards her. As we approached I perceived that she was very long, barque-rigged, and raking, manifestly a powerful, iron-built, ocean steamer. They had hung a red light on the forestay, and a white light over her port quarter, and lights flitted about her gangway.
A voice sang out, "How many are there of you?"
The boatswain answered, "Three men and a lady!"
On this the same voice called, "If you want help to bring the boat alongside we'll send to you."
"We'll be alongside in a few minutes," returned the boatswain.