But the party did not feel much like talking. They were all grateful to God, who had, through the agency of the young pilot, saved them from their perilous situation. When the boat reached the landing-place, the ladies were conducted to the cottage of John Wilford, where everything was done by Mrs. Wilford to promote their comfort. Lawry hastened up to Mr. Sherwood's house to procure the carriage, which had fortunately just returned from Port Henry, and the party were soon conveyed to their home. Dry clothing and a little rest soon restored Mr. Sherwood and the ladies to their wonted spirits, and all of them wished to see their brave deliverer. He was sent for, and presented himself to the ladies in the drawing-room. Lawry, anxious to learn the condition of the ladies after their cold bath, and their terrible fright, had followed the carriage up to the house, and was telling the coachman the particulars of the catastrophe when he was summoned to the presence of the family. Never was a young man more earnestly and sincerely thanked for a brave and noble deed; and Mr. Sherwood hinted that something more substantial than thanks would be bestowed upon him. "Thank you, sir; I don't need anything more," replied Lawry, blushing. "What will be done with the steamer, now?" he asked. "I have got enough of her," said Mr. Sherwood. "She has given me a shock I shall never forget." "I don't think it was the fault of the boat, sir," suggested Lawry. "I did all I could to have you keep off the rocks." "We all thought you were crazy, you shook so in your boat." "I was trying to warn you of your danger." "Was that what you meant? We thought you were cheering the _Woodville_." "I saw you were going on the rocks, and I shouted and made signs for you to keep off." "You certainly did all you could for us, both before and after the accident," added Mr. Sherwood. "When did you get home, Lawry?" "To-day noon, just after you went to the house for me. I came right up to see you; but I found you had gone." "Yes; I was so impatient to get that little steamer up here, that I couldn't wait any longer." "And what a waste your haste has made!" laughed Mrs. Sherwood. "There is our fine little steamer at the bottom of the lake." "She may lie there, for all me," added Mr. Sherwood. "I should not dare to put my foot on board of her again," said Miss Fanny. "Nor I," chimed in Fanny Jane. "She isn't to blame, Mr. Sherwood," interposed Ethan French. "She worked as though she had been alive." "No steamer could stand such a thump on the Goblins," added Lawry. "I don't blame the boat, of course," replied Mr. Sherwood; "but this adventure has cured me of my love for steamboating. I don't want to see another one." "Shall you let the _Woodville_ lie there?" asked Lawry. "She's a wreck now, stove in and ruined." "But she can be raised and repaired, and be as good as ever, or nearly so," continued Lawry.