the vessel's
side. They had got to a short distance off, when Peter Puddle looked
over the bulwarks. "'Mind the mate of the sovereign he promised," he
shouted. "I'll stay aboard till you come back."

"Never fear, lad; you'll get it if he is set free," answered the
captain.

"Oh! he must, he will be freed," cried poor Jessie, who did not like the
captain's "if."

"I hope so, my dear girl, but we must be prepared for disappointment,"
he said, in a soothing tone. "I have had a good deal in my time, though
I know that God orders all for the best, and He has given me strength to
bear it." He spoke for some time in the same strain. "It's still a
dead calm, and the ship cannot sail without a breeze, though all the
Lords of the Admiralty were to order her to get under weigh, that's one
comfort," he continued. "So cheer up, Jessie, cheer up." The boat had
got out of the Catwater, and was making good progress down the smooth
waters of the Sound, with its high, richly-wooded shores on either side.
Far ahead, at the entrance of the harbour, lay several ships-of-war and
a fleet of merchantmen. The topsails of the largest, as well as those
of the merchant vessels, were loosed and hung in the brails, and
Blue-peter was flying from their mast-heads. It was evident that they
were prepared for sea. Poor Jessie's anxiety increased. Now and anon a
catspaw had passed across the mirror-like surface of the water, just
rippling it for an instant, and then leaving it again placid as before.
Others now followed in quick succession. The sails and flags of the
ships, hitherto hanging listlessly against the masts, began to blow out,
and a vessel close-hauled was seen in the offing, gliding quickly across
the mouth of the harbour.

"Step the mast, lads," said the captain; "we shall feel the breeze
presently, and the canvas will help us along. Keep the oars going
though." The sail was quickly hoisted and rigged out with a boat-hook,
while the sheet was passed aft to the captain. The crew pulled more
lustily than ever, for they saw that the frigate was preparing to sail,
and were eager to rescue their mate, who was beloved by all of them.
The breeze every moment increased. Poor Jessie, unable to speak from
anxiety, her heart sinking within her, kept her eyes fixed on the ships,
while the captain every now and then bent down to look at them under the
foot of the sail. "In oars, lads," he said at length, for the boat was
skimming