the sick man into the boat. The little girl clasped
her hands in her anxiety as she saw him lowered down. Sorrowfully she
stooped over him, supporting his head in her arms; forgetting,
apparently, where she was, and the fearful danger to which she was still
exposed. The boy had followed the boatswain, apparently with the
intention of leaping into the boat by himself. Dick was seen to hold
him back: then he lifted him in his arms, and, waiting for the right
moment, sprang into the boat.

No one on board had watched these proceedings with more apparent
eagerness than Merlin; and as the boat came alongside the ship, he ran
to the gangway to receive those whom she brought. The little girl was
first lifted up the side, and received by the captain, Merlin instantly
coming up to lick her hands and attract her attention. She had no
thought, however, for any one round her, but endeavoured to look down
into the boat to watch her companions. The sick man was next hoisted
up; the boy, till he was safe, refusing to leave the boat. He then,
aided by Dick Tarbox, hauled himself up on deck.

"We will carry him aft, and take him at once to my cabin," said the
captain. "He looks very ill."

This was done; the young people keeping by the sick man's side,
anxiously gazing on his countenance, apparently scarcely aware where
they were, and paying no attention to any one else.

"Is he your father, young gentleman?" asked the captain, as the sick man
was placed on the bed.

"Oh yes, yes!" answered the boy. "But can you do nothing for him? He
is, I am afraid, very, very ill."

At that moment the surgeon, who had been attending on a patient below,
came up, and entering the cabin, looked at the sick man's countenance
and felt his pulse. The look he gave the captain was observed by the
little girl: she seemed to understand it.

"Oh do, sir, tell me what is the matter with him! Will he die?" she
asked, bursting into tears.

"There is no time to be lost," observed the surgeon, hurrying away to
his own cabin without answering the question.

"Our lives are in God's hands, young lady," said the captain, in a kind
tone. "The doctor will do all he can for your papa; be assured of
that."

The surgeon instantly returned with a restorative; after taking which
the sick man recovered slightly, and was able to utter a few words in a
faint voice. He recognised his children, and beckoned them to approach.

"I am leaving you, I fear,