ll think more of the fellow than ever," he muttered. "Would that
he were fathoms deep beneath the water!"

Thanks to the doctor's care, Reginald by the next morning was quite
himself again; and as soon as he appeared on deck, young Andrews, who
had also recovered, came to him and thanked him with hearty expressions
of gratitude for saving his life.

"If it had not been for you, I should very soon have gone down. My
great wish now is to serve you as long as I live; and I only hope that I
may have the opportunity of doing so," he exclaimed.

"I only did for you what I would have done for any other man or boy,"
said Reginald; "but at the same time I shall be glad of your friendship,
for, whatever our respective positions, we may be able to help each
other."

Reginald, it must be confessed, looked with more than usual eagerness
for the appearance of Violet, who had not yet come on deck--scarcely
heeding the compliments he received from the other ladies, or being able
to give any very clear answers to the numerous questions put to him
about his gallant exploit, as they were pleased to call it. He did his
best, however, to explain how, after having succeeded in reaching young
Andrews, he had towed him to the hen-coop, to which he held him fast
till the arrival of the boat.

"Yes, it _was_ trying," he added; "but I never lost hope. My great fear
was that the lad would sink from exhaustion, though I felt capable of
holding on till the morning. I was sure, too, that the captain would
not leave the spot till he had searched for us by daylight."

Violet at length came on deck. A blush rose to her cheek as she put out
her hand to welcome Reginald. She said but little, however, her eyes
speaking more eloquently than words. Her father remained by her side,
and took an opportunity, as soon as he could do so without making his
object too evident, of leading her to the other side among the ladies on
deck. The gallant young officer was naturally the subject of
conversation, and she heard with inward satisfaction his praises
repeated by all around her. Much as Colonel Ross liked Reginald, he
could not help regretting that Violet had ever met him. He could not be
blind to his personal appearance and manners, but he naturally disliked
the thought of his daughter marrying a man of whose birth and fortune he
knew nothing; and he resolved to break off all connection with the young
stranger as soon as they landed at Calcutta.