As they walked up from the wharf, they discovered a person approaching them. It was Captain Barney, at whose stable Lieutenant Bankhead had left his horse. He had been anxiously awaiting the return of the boat; for the howling wind and the cutting rain had raised some doubts in his mind concerning the prudence of his action in permitting Mr. Bankhead and John to venture upon the bay on such a night. He had not expected to see them yet, and was merely walking down to the wharf to take an old sailor’s glance at the sea and the weather. “Is that you, Jack Somers?” said he, as he approached the party, for it was too dark to make them out with his eye. “Yes, sir: we have come back safe and sound,” replied the young skipper, proud and happy that he had succeeded in executing the duty imposed upon him. “I am glad to see you, Bankhead; for I’ve been worrying about you. It has blowed heavy ever since you went away, and I began to be afraid that I had made a mistake in letting you go. Well, I see there are three of you: so I suppose you found your brother.” “Yes, sir,--Captain Barney, my brother,” added the lieutenant, introducing the parties, who were strangers to each other. “Happy to know you,” replied the old gentleman. “You are not a sailor, and I suppose you don’t take this kind of a night as kindly as your brother.” “It’s a terrible night to go to sea, and I’m thankful to be once more on the solid earth.” “So am I,” added Lieutenant Bankhead. “But captain, we have no time to lose.” “Come into the house and warm you, while I get your horse ready,” said Captain Barney, as they reached the hospitable mansion of the old shipmaster. John volunteered to get the horse; and the two officers went into the house, where their kind host insisted upon providing them with dry clothing. By the time the horse was ready, they had not only put on dry garments, but they had related the history of their perilous cruise, and given John Somers the highest commendation for the skill, coolness, and energy with which he had discharged his duty. “He saved my life, and I shall never forget him,” said Lieutenant Bankhead in conclusion. “He’s a smart fellow,” added Captain Barney. “He wants to go into the navy: and, if I can have any influence with his mother, he shall go; for we want as many such fellows as we can get.” The two brothers shook hands with Captain Barney and John, and the lieutenant promised to visit Pinchbrook again as soon as he could. Though it was only half-past twelve o’clock, instead of two, the sad mission which had induced him to venture upon the water in such a night urged him to the utmost haste, and he drove off at a rapid pace. “Jack, you are a smart boy!” said the captain bluntly, as the vehicle disappeared in the gloom. “You have done a big thing to-night, and it may be the making of you. Come into the house and warm yourself now. I’ve got some hot coffee and a lunch on the table.”