It needed not now for any one to tell Sir
Thomas Gresham or his companions in the cabin of the danger we were in,
for already the water was rising to their feet. They now rushed with
scared looks on deck; Sir Thomas supporting his son in his arms,
followed by Aveline and her maiden.

Seeing the way in which the men were working at the pumps, Sir Thomas,
placing Richard under shelter within the companion-hatch, seized a
handle, and began himself working away like the rest.

"You should have told me of this before," he observed. "I had no right
to be excused labouring with others."

His example had the effect of encouraging the crew, who even now had
begun to relax somewhat in their efforts.

A signal of distress had been hoisted. It was seen by the approaching
vessel. I judged from her appearance that she was the _Falcon_, and
Captain Davis told me I was right. Night, however, was approaching, and
the difficulty of reaching her would be greatly increased by the
darkness. On she came, and by this time the sea had so much gone down,
that boats could be lowered from her without difficulty. Two were seen
let into the water, and, propelled by sturdy crews, they approached our
ship. Sir Thomas at that time thought little of the wealth on board the
_Diamond_. His desire was to save the lives of his son and those with
him, but Richard seemed to engross almost all his thoughts. He scarcely
regarded himself, so it seemed to me. Even though the boats were
approaching, the captain urged the crew to keep to the pumps.

"Lads," he exclaimed, "it would be a base thing to let this fine ship
sink beneath our feet, if any exertion of ours can keep her afloat!"

"Think not of the wealth on board, but rather run no risk of losing your
own life and that of your companions, Master Davis," said Sir Thomas.

By this time the boats had come alongside.

The first who leaped out of them on to the deck of the sinking ship was
Captain Rover. A glance showed him our condition, and he seemed to
recognise Sir Thomas, though he did not address him by name.

"We will convey you safely on board my ship, sir," he said, "with those
who cannot work; but I never let a stout ship sink under me if I can
keep her afloat; and perchance a few fresh hands will help her to do
that, if my friend here, Captain Davis, will accept their services."

Captain Davis's countenance brightened, and cordially thanking his
brother captain, he accepted his o