The ship was standing towards us. We had now no doubts of her being a large English merchantman. She was a new ship, too, apparently. Presently she was hove to. A boat was lowered, and with rapid strokes pulled towards us. “Who are you? Where do you come from?” asked some one in the boat as we lowered our sails.
“Our answer would be a long one, friend,” said Mr Sedgwick. “We are English people escaping from a burning mountain.”
“You will be welcome aboard our ship at all events,” was the answer. “Here, catch hold of this rope, and we will tow your raft alongside.”
A rope was hove to us over the stern of the boat, and without further words we were towed away towards the ship. I eyed her with pleasure. I had often thought that if I once got ashore I should never wish to go to sea again. On looking, however, at her fine proportions and trim rigging, I felt that I should be proud to be an officer of such a craft.
Of course we did not move quickly. It was some time before we were alongside. “Come, we must now take you on board,” said the officer in the boat. “The ladies first, I conclude.” The Frau, Emily, and Grace were handed in. “We can take more, though. Here you, young man, and one of you gentlemen.” Mr Hooker followed him into the boat.
An accommodation ladder was let down, as the sea was as smooth as in a sheltered harbour. The Frau was helped up the side first, and the two girls followed. Suddenly I heard a loud shriek of astonishment, and presently whose face should I see but that of my old friend Captain Davenport appearing at the gangway. In another instant he had his daughter Grace in his arms.
“My mother! where is my mother?” exclaimed Grace.
“Here, here, my child!” and Mrs Davenport received her daughter from her husband’s arms. Both held her, gazing anxiously at her face.
“You are restored to us, my child,” said Mrs Davenport.
“And Emily, our second daughter!” exclaimed the old captain, taking Emily in his arms. She received almost as loving a welcome as Grace had done, and I had ample reason to be thankful for my reception.