in proper attitude, and was in
condition to exert all his powers when he came to the surface. He swam
towards Pelham, intent upon rendering him the assistance he might
require.

"Do you mean to drown me?" gasped Pelham, who supposed his rival had
followed him overboard for the purpose of completing his work.

"I mean to save you, Pelham," replied Shuffles. "Can you swim?"

"I'm hurt."

"Give me your hand, and I will support you."

Shuffles took the offered hand of Pelham, who was able to swim a little,
and supported him till they could reach the life-buoy, which had been
dropped from the stern of the ship when the alarming cry was given.

"Where are you hurt?" asked Shuffles, as soon as they had grasped the
buoy.

"My stomach struck the water," replied Pelham, faintly.

The third cutter had been lowered into the water as soon as the ship's
headway was stopped, and was now within a few yards of the buoy.

"Will you forgive me, Pelham? I was beside myself," said Shuffles, when
his companion had recovered breath after his exertions.

"You have saved me, Shuffles. I should have gone down without you."

"Will you forgive me?" pleaded the penitent. "I did not mean to injure
you."

"Never mind it; we won't say a word about it," answered Pelham, as the
boat came up.

They were assisted into the cutter, and the oarsmen pulled back to the
ship. When the party reached the deck, a cheer burst from a portion of
the crew; but Wilton, Monroe, and a few others, believing that Pelham
had "fallen overboard accidentally," were appalled at the probable
consequences of the event.

Pelham was assisted to the after cabin, where Dr. Winstock immediately
attended him. He was not seriously injured; and the next day he was able
to be on deck, and do duty.

"How was that?" asked Wilton, when Shuffles had changed his clothes, and
warmed himself at the stove, as they met in the waist.

Shuffles looked sad and solemn. He made no reply.

"Did he fall overboard accidentally?" demanded Wilton.

"Don't ask me."

"You jumped in after him, and saved him, they say," added Wilton; "so, I
suppose, it was really an accident."

Shuffles still made no reply.

CHAPTER XX.

THE END OF THE CHAIN LEAGUE.

The fact that Shuffles had plunged into the sea, and labored so
effectively for the rescue of the fourth lieutenant, blinded the eyes of
"our fellows," who, knowing the penalty of treachery to the "Chain,"
might otherwise hav