pidly leaving him. Further pursuit was useless; so, taking in
the stay-sail, he put the boat about, and again turned his attention to
the sufferer.

The boat's progress, assisted by the current, was very rapid, and she
soon reached the island. The experienced eye of her manager discerned
through the darkness the narrow opening of the little stream. Taking in
the sails and lowering the masts, the little craft glided through the
rivulet, and in less time than is taken to relate it was securely moored
in front of the cottage. The old negro, bewildered by the unseasonable
summons, assisted in conveying the wounded stranger to the cottage.

Dr. Vaudelier, after a more thorough examination of his patient than he
had been able to make before, was pleased to find that his wounds,
though serious, were not of a dangerous character. He set the broken
arm, and, by the exercise of the great skill for which he had been
distinguished, restored him to consciousness, and made sure his future
recovery.

"Where is she? Is she safe?" murmured the sufferer, as his returning
consciousness afforded a partial knowledge of his condition. "Where am
I?"

"You are among friends, sir,--among friends. Do not distress yourself,"
replied the doctor, in a soothing tone.

"Where is she? Great God! what has become of her?" exclaimed the wounded
man, with startling energy.

"You must be quiet, sir, or you will injure your arm," said Dr.
Vaudelier, mildly restraining the excited man.

"O, Emily, Emily!" groaned the sufferer. "Why did I leave you? Why did
we not perish together?"

"Be calm, sir,--be calm! You have lost a friend in this terrible
disaster?"

"I have. O that I could have died with her!"

"Are you sure she has perished?"

"She could scarcely have survived the explosion."

"Was she not in the ladies' cabin?"

"She was."

"Then probably she is safe. The ladies' cabin was thrown from its
position; but it appeared to be comparatively but little shattered. The
forward cabin was blown entirely in pieces."

"Thank God for this intelligence!" ejaculated Henry Carroll,--for the
reader has already discovered that it was he whom the doctor had
rescued.

"Another steamer was close at hand, so that probably most of the ladies
were saved, unless, as is often the case, they jumped overboard in their
fright."

"Heaven protect her!" exclaimed Henry.

"But, sir, I must insist on perfect quiet. Your condition imperatively
demands it. To-