“I am trying,” groaned Nelly; “but O granny, why do you say that?”
“It is better to be prepared for bad tidings before they come,” answered the dame; “but it maybe that God has willed that Michael should be saved, and so let us be ready with a grateful heart to welcome him; but whichever way it is, remember that it is for the best.”
The dame herself, notwithstanding what she said, felt her own heart depressed.
A simultaneous shout arose from the men and boys who had gone to the end of the point.
“The boat! the boat! It is her, no doubt about it,” they cried out, and then most of them hurried away to the landing-place to welcome their friends and assist them on shore.
The dame and Nelly followed them. Some still remained at the point, knowing that there was yet another danger to be passed at the very entrance of the harbour, for a cross sea breaking at its mouth might hurl the boat, in spite of the efforts of the rowers, against the rocks, and those who had toiled so long, worn out with fatigue, would require assistance, for, unaided, their lives might be lost.
As the boat drew near her crew raised a shout in return to the greeting, of their friends. Perfect silence followed as the “Rescue” neared the dangerous point. In an instant it was passed, though a sea breaking over her deluged the crew.
“Are they all saved?” shouted several voices.
“Some, but not all; but our boys are here: tell my dame,” shouted Reuben as the boat glided by.
Nelly heard the answer. With trembling knees she stood on the landing-place supported by Dame Lanreath, while the light of several lanterns fell on the boat and the figures of those in her as she came alongside.