roves it," exclaimed Paul. "We are on Thornton's. The steeples on
the shore are Blankenburg, and those farther off are the Bruges
steeples. We are about twelve miles to the eastward of the North Hinder,
where there is a light-vessel. We have been drifting to the southward.
We will tack now, and stand over to windward of the wreck."
The Josephine went about again, and stood up to the point indicated by
the captain. The wind had now subsided to a gentle breeze, and the sea
was abating its violence in a corresponding degree. The lead was thrown
continually, but not less than three fathoms was indicated at any time.
Cleats and Gage, with their sharp axes, were dealing heavy blows at the
masts of the galiot, while the crew of the gig and first cutter were
clearing away the standing rigging. By the time the schooner reached the
position to windward of the wreck, the work had been accomplished. The
two boats had backed away from the wreck, and suddenly the hull righted.
A few more strokes of the axes severed the shrouds, which could not be
reached while the vessel lay upon her side.
Pelham, who was on the deck of the vessel when she righted, rushed to
the companion-way, which had been submerged before. He was closely
followed by the two men. The cabin was half full of water; but he found
there a woman and a young girl of sixteen, who had been clinging for
life to an upper berth. The gallant lieutenant plunged up to his middle
in the water, and bore the girl to the ladder. At the same time, the
older of the men performed a similar service for the woman. He was
evidently the husband of the woman and the father of the girl. When he
returned to the deck, he embraced the woman and the girl, and lavished
upon them the most tender caresses.
"Mr. Pelham, you will convey these people to the Josephine, and report
what has been done to the captain," said Martyn, who was the superior
officer.
The first cutter was hauled up to the gangway of the galiot, and Pelham
by signs invited the family to embark. They comprehended his meaning,
and the females were assisted into the boat. The older man, who was
apparently the skipper of the vessel, exhibited some reluctance at
leaving his craft. His heart seemed to be broken by the calamity which
had befallen him, and he wept bitterly, uttering piteous exclamations,
which could not be understood by the Josephines, as Pelham hurried him
into the cutter.
The party continued their sad wailings
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