“No, sir; but that shall not prevent me from assisting you to any extent within my power. What shall I do for you, sir?” “I am very cold and numb,” said he, curling up with the chills that swept through his frame. “Come into the cabin, sir. I think we can warm and dry you so that you will be quite comfortable.” “Thank you, Wolf;” and I think this was the first time he had ever used a gracious word to me. Tom Walton had put the helm up, and the yacht filled away on her course again. I took Colonel Wimpleton’s arm, and conducted him to the cabin. The fire was still burning in the little cook-room, and shutting down the hatch on the deck, I soon made the place so hot that it almost melted me. Seating my distinguished guest before the stove, I gave him a mug of hot coffee, though, before he drank it, he asked me if there was any brandy on board. I told him we had none, and he contented himself with the coffee, which was quite as beneficial. Under my mild treatment, the patient gradually recovered the use of his limbs. I went on deck, and sent Tom down to give him some supper; and our zealous cook provided him a fresh beefsteak, coffee, and toast, which Tom said he ate just as though he had been a common man. It was now quite dark, and we were off Southport, on the east shore. The wind had subsided, and we were not likely to reach Middleport before morning. I gave Tom the helm again, and went below to inquire into the colonel’s condition. He was still wet, and was fearful that his exposure would bring on the rheumatic fever, to which he was liable. I suggested to him that he should go to bed, and have his clothes dried. For such a man as he was, he was very pliable and lamb-like. I conducted him to one of the little state-rooms, which contained a wide berth. I put all the blankets on board upon the bed, and the colonel, taking off all his clothes, buried himself in them. I tucked him up, and he declared that he felt quite comfortable. Hanging up all his garments in the cook-room, I filled the stove with wood, assured they would soon dry in the intense heat of the apartment. “Can I do anything more for you, colonel?” I asked, returning to his room. “No, thank you, Wolf; I am very comfortable now,” he replied from the mass of blankets and quilts which covered him. “Where do you wish to go, sir?” “Home! Home!” he answered with energy. “We are bound for Middleport, sir, and we will land you as soon as we arrive.” “Thank you, Wolf. I feel like a new man now. I was sure I should be drowned. I had been on that raft over three hours.” “Indeed, sir! It was a very uncomfortable craft.” “The lake was very rough, and the waves washed over me every minute. I gave myself up for lost. I suffered all that a man could endure in those three hours,” said he, shuddering as he thought of his unpleasant voyage.