watery
grave. "I see nothing," said the Captain, "nothing, not even a passing
sail; which is quite uncommon at this season, when so many vessels are
constantly passing and repassing our island; not even the light-boat do
I see, which is probably owing to a fog coming in from the sea, as yet
imperceptible to us here. Poor fellows! I fear they have gone down
without a soul to help them! It seems hard when there are so many stout
hearts and ready arms here, willing to risk their lives in the attempt
to save. Those shoals, Vingo, are the only unkind thing there is about
our cherished island; but the will of God be done. Truly his ways are
unsearchable."

"Den you tinks, massa, dis little sea-flower was left here trough
mistake, by de Lord?"

"It most assuredly was left here by the Lord, Vingo, but not by
mistake. The fact is, my boy, there has been a wreck off to the east
south-east of the island; probably some vessel has mistaken her
bearings, or, being unacquainted with the coast, has run on to the
shoals and gone to pieces; and this infant was made fast to the first
floatable object that could be found, and with a mother's dying prayer
for a rudder, and the hand of Him who guides us all at the helm, she has
come to us here; and with eyes of heaven's own blue, she silently asks
for that protection which shall not be withheld from her so long as it
shall be within my power to give. And now, Vingo, boy, you may turn the
horse's head for the town."

"Yes, massa."

And though some fifty years had passed over the old negro's head, he
sprang with the agility of boyhood's days; although, as the poor fellow
often remarked, "he had a wonderful constitution for enduring rest," the
thought of his good missus's surprise, when she should learn of their
morning's adventure, gave him new life, and he fairly danced about the
beach for joy. Seated in the spring-cart, Captain Grosvenor took the
babe in his arms, that had now fallen into a quiet sleep, while Vingo,
perching himself first on one foot and then the other, to keep his
balance, gathered up the reins, and all started for home.

"I am tinking, massa, dat my missus be quite ober-much-come at de sight
of dis little sea-flower."

"Yes, boy; yes, sea-flower indeed. I have travelled the wide world from
stem to stern, but never have I met with such an emblem of innocence
before." And though the hardy sea-captain had spent the greater part of
his life among the whales, he stoope