The man was accordingly lifted into her. It appeared to me, from his sad condition, that the surgeon would be unable to do him any good.
“What, did you come out here all by yourself, youngster?” asked the officer.
“No, sir, I came out with old Tom Swatridge, who went on board the ship which blew up,” I answered.
“Then I fear he must have been blown up with her, my lad,” said the officer.
“I hope not, sir, I hope not,” I cried out, my heart ready to break as I began to realise that such might be the case.
Chapter Five.
A friend lost and a friend gained.
It seemed but a moment since the ship blew up. I could not believe that old Tom had perished.