ers, was then cut adrift, and soon lay a mere speck upon the
waters, unguided and alone.

As the boat drifted for a moment astern of the vessel before the party
were taken on board, the mate rend her name on the stern in golden
letters, "The Sea Witch." The foremast hands who had been saved from
the wreck soon mingled with the crew on the forecastle of the "Sea
Witch," and told their story there, while the mate and the ladies were
received in the most hospitable manner in the cabin, where the captain
endeavored to offer them every comfort the ship afforded, and to place
every resource entirely at their command.

Mrs. Huntington and her daughter were at first too tearful and full of
gratitude for their preservation to converse, and soon took advantage of
the kind offer which placed the captain's private apartments entirely at
their service, while the mate explained their adventures in detail, not
forgetting the phantom ship which passed them in the gale, and which had
caused such consternation on board the wrecked Indiaman. But his story
in this particular was unfortunately spoiled, when Captain Ratlin told
him positively that he was at that moment on board the very craft which
he had designated as the Flying Dutchman. A remark that for a moment
puzzled the honest seaman and led him to look suspiciously about him;
but a few corroborating remarks soon placed the subject at rest in even
the mate's credulous mind.

The fact was, that the same gale which had made a wreck of the Indiaman,
had driven the "Sea Witch" two days' sail or more out of her course, and
had thus brought her in sight of the Bengal at that critical moment when
it would have been impossible to have rendered her the least assistance.
The continuance of the gale had carried the ship far to the southward,
from whence she was now returning.

It was early morning upon the day succeeding that auspicious night for
the party in the boat, that Miss Huntington and her mother made their
appearance upon the quarter-deck, and tendered their thanks for the
service rendered. Captain Ratlin received them there with a frank, manly
air, assured them of full protection, and that he would land them at
some port from whence they could take ship for England. A very few hours
placed him on the best of terms with his passengers, for there was that
frank, and open discourse of manner with him, which his countenance
promised, while he felt irresistibly drawn towards the gentle