"We were bundled out of the rolling ship into some huge flat-bottomed boats, like coal-barges, and even so, were grated and ground several times by the churning waves on the ragged reefs beneath us: and, just as I was enjoying the see-saw, and trying to comfort two poor drenched women-kind who were terribly afraid of sharks, a huge, cream-coloured breaker came bustling alongside of us, and roaring out 'Charles Tracy,' gobbled me up bodily. Well, dearest, it wasn't the first time I had floundered in the waters [noble Charles! noble Charles! he had long forgiven Julian]; so I was battling on as well as I could, with a stout heart and a steady arm, when--don't be afraid--a _Catamaran_ caught me! If you haven't fainted (bless those pretty eyes of your's, my Emmy!) read on; and you will find that this alarming sort of animal is neither an albatross nor an alligator, but simply--a life-boat with a Triton in the stern. Yes, God's messenger of life to me and happiness to you, my girl, came in the shape of a kindly, chattering, blue-skinned, human creature, who dragged me out of the surf, landed me safely, and, I need not say, got paid with more than hearty thanks. So, I scuffled to the custom-house to look after my traps and fellow-passengers, like a dripping merman. "'Who is that miserable old woman, bothering every body?' asked I of a very civil searcher, profuse in his salaams. "'Oh, Sahib, you will know for yourself, presently: she's always hanging about here, to get news of somebody in England, I believe--and to try to find a charitable captain who will take her all the way for nothing: rather too much of a good thing, you know, Sahib.' [We really cannot undertake to scribble broken English: so we will translate any thing that may mysteriously have been chatted by havildars, and coolies; and all manner of strange names.] "'Poor old soul--she looks very wretched: what's her name?' asked I, carelessly. "'Oh, I never troubled to inquire, Sahib: I believe she was an old servant left behind as lumber, and she pesters every one, day by day, about some 'bonnie bonnie bairn.'' "In a moment, Emmy, I had seized on dear nurse Mackie! "Very old, very deaf, very infirm--she fancied I was driving her away, as many others might have done; and, with a truly piteous face, pleaded-- "'Gude sir, have mercy on a puir auld soul--and let her ask for her sweet young mistress, only once, sir--only once more.' "'Emily Warren?' said I. "Her wrinkled face brightened over as with glory--and she answered-- "'Bless the mouth that spake it, and these ears that hear her name! yes--yes--yes--they call her so; where is she? how is she? have you seen her? is she yet alive?' "Leading away the affectionate old soul from the crowd that was collecting round us, I left orders about luggage as a traveller should, and then told her all I knew: and I know you pretty well, I think, my Emmy.