ise and follow,
assisted by the maid, but, after one or two efforts, sank back,
incapable of keeping his feet. Upon this Zac flung the rope to the
French lieutenant, and walked over to the old man. Claude now had
returned, having left the girl in the stern of the boat.

"Look here," said Zac, as he came up; "the old gentleman can't walk.
You'd best carry him aboard, and I'll carry the gal."

With these words Zac turned towards the maid; she looked up at him
with a shy glance and showed such a pretty face, such black eyes and
smiling lips, that Zac for a moment hesitated, feeling quite
paralyzed by an overflow of bashfulness. But it was not a time to
stand on ceremony; and so honest Zac, without more ado, seized the
girl in his arms, and bore her to the boat, where he deposited her
carefully by the side of the other. Claude now followed, carrying the
old man, whom he placed beside the young lady, so that he and the
maid could support her as before. There was yet room for one more,
and the gentleman still on the raft came forward at Claude's
invitation, and took his place in the bows. The rest waited on the
raft. The boat then returned to the schooner, which now had come very
close. Here Claude lifted the lady high in the air, and Pere Michel
took her from his arms. Claude then got on board the schooner, and
took her to the cabin, where he laid her on a couch. Zac then lifted
up the maid, who was helped on board by Pere Michel, where Claude met
her, and took her to the cabin. Zac then lifted up the old man, and
Pere Michel stood ready to receive him also.

And now a singular incident occurred. As Zac raised the old man, Pere
Michel caught sight of the face, and regarded it distinctly. The old
man's eyes were half closed, and he took no notice of anything; but
there was something in that face which produced a profound impression
on Pere Michel. He stood rigid, as though rooted to the spot, looking
at the old man with a fixed stare. Then his arms sank down, his head
also fell forward, and turning abruptly away, he walked forward to
the bows. Upon this Jericho came forward; and he it was who lifted
the old man on board and assisted him to the cabin.

After this, the other gentleman got on board, and then the boat
returned and took off the other occupants of the raft.

CHAPTER III.

NEW FRIENDS.

Every arrangement was made that could be made within the confines of
a small schooner to secure the comfort of the s