In a short time he had recovered his breath, and was able to assist the soldier in the labor of clearing the standing-room of the water. When this work was completed, the boat rode easier over the seas, and confidence was in a measure restored in the minds of the passengers, who had seated themselves by the side of the skipper. “I have been overboard twice before; but I was never so near being drowned as I have been to-night. My lad, you have saved my life, and I shall never forget it as long as I live,” said Lieutenant Bankhead. “I did the best I could for you, and I am sorry you had such hard luck.” “If it had been I, that would have been the end of me,” added Captain Bankhead: “I should have gone to the bottom like a stone.” “So should I, if Jack hadn’t hauled me in just as he did. My wind was about gone, and I should have given up in half a minute more. Fred, do you know that minutes seem like years when a man is overboard in a heavy sea?” “I never tried it.” “When you missed your grasp, I gave up for lost; for I knew I couldn’t hold out till the boat went round and came up again. Jack, you are the pluckiest little fellow I ever saw in my life.” “I tried to do what I could,” replied John modestly. “No one could have done more or better; but, my lad, why didn’t you put the helm hard a-port, as I told you?” “It would have gybed the boat, and she would have filled and gone down if I had.” “Perhaps you are right. You know your boat better than I do.” “Besides, I was satisfied she would go clear if I brought her up to the wind,” added John. “If you had stuck by the Dashaway, you would have been all right.” “But I was sure the schooner would come aboard of us.” “It was a close shave: we only escaped by the skin of our teeth. I wouldn’t try it again for a hundred dollars.” “I wouldn’t for a thousand.” “We may well thank God that we are still alive,” said the captain. “With all my heart I do thank him,” replied the sailor reverently. “I shudder when I think of our poor mother: what a blow it would have been to her in the midst of her woe if only one of us had returned to close the eyes of our dying father!” The brothers were silent during the rest of the passage; for thoughts too solemn and holy for utterance were stirring their souls. Without further incident or accident, the Dashaway reached her moorings. Lieutenant Bankhead assisted John in making all snug on board of her, after which they pulled ashore in the dory. “I never was so glad to set my foot on land before,” said Captain Bankhead, as he stepped upon the wharf. “I am half frozen, as well as frightened out of my wits.” “I don’t feel very comfortable; but we have no time to spare.” “I suppose not: it must be two o’clock in the morning,” added the captain, whose teeth were chattering with the cold.