The boat was quickly alongside, and Peter soon found himself on the deck of a ship larger than he had ever before seen. He looked round with astonishment and admiration. Every one was busy in lowering the boats to tow the ship away from the dangerous proximity to the bank. Peter was, therefore, for some time left alone. The breeze, however, soon again returning, filled the sails, and the boats were hoisted in.
The captain, a fine-looking young man, with a frank countenance, then called Peter aft, and put to him nearly the same questions the mate had asked.
“How came you to escape, my lad? You don’t even look much the worse for your adventure.”
“God took care of me, sir,” answered Peter, simply.
The captain smiled. “Well, I suppose it’s something to fancy that,” he observed.
“But I know it, sir,” said Peter firmly.
The captain cast a somewhat astonished glance at him. “Well, lad, you must be hungry and sleepy; the steward will give you some food, and find you a berth forward. If we have an opportunity, we will put you on shore, that you may return to your friends.”
“I have no friends on shore, sir,” answered Peter, “and I want to go to sea.”
“Then do you wish to remain on board?” asked the captain.
“Yes, sir, please; I wish to visit foreign lands.”