"What is the matter, captain?" exclaimed the latter. "They tell me that a man has fallen overboard, and that a boat has gone to look for him. How could you let a boat go away while the sea is tumbling about in this terrible fashion; and, pray, who has gone in her? Ah, Mr Paget, I am glad to see you have not risked your life. But where is Charles Dicey? Just like him, to do such a madcap trick. My dear girls, your brother jumped into the boat to pick up a silly man who tumbled overboard, and they cannot find him or any of those who went with him." "Our brother!" exclaimed Emily and May in a tone of alarm. "Where is the boat? Oh! do tell us, Captain Westerway; we do not see her." "We are somewhat anxious about the boat, I confess, Miss Dicey," said Mr Paget, approaching Emily and May; "but still we may hope to find her. In this mountainous sea she might be easily concealed between the waves, though at no great distance." In vain, however, every one on board kept looking out for the missing boat. The ship was standing back exactly over the spot where she had been lowered. The only sign of her was a broken oar, which tossed up and down--for a moment was seen, and then disappeared. Mrs Clagget continued to abuse Charles for his foolhardiness, as she called it. "Poor young man, I wish he had not gone," said the good captain; "but it was a brave deed. I ought not to have allowed the boat to be lowered; but I could not bear to let one of my fellows perish without an attempt to save him; and I thought that lifeboat could be trusted." "Very wrong in all concerned," exclaimed Mrs Clagget. "But surely, captain, you don't think poor Charles is really lost, and your worthy mate too. I had a great respect for that honest man." "Indeed, madam, I fear such is the case," said the captain with a sigh; "and I trust you will do your best to console those dear young ladies. It will break their hearts, I am afraid, for it is easy to see what affection they have for their brother." Emily and May were, as may be supposed, almost stricken down by grief when they were told, though as cautiously as possible by Mr Paget, of what had occurred. Not till night had arrived, and all hopes had been abandoned, could they be induced to leave the deck. They stood with their hands clasped together, looking out over the tossing sea as though they expected the boat which contained him they loved so much would appear again in sight. CHAPTER EIGHT. THE "RANGER'S" BOATS ARE SENT AWAY.