The second cutter had come up and made fast to the stern of the first. Mr. Boulong had three passengers now, and he decided to take no more, as there were only five more on the wreck. The other boat was hauled up to the fast, and secured to it. Two of the oarsmen were transferred from the second to the first cutter, and the second officer was directed to take off those that remained. It was a very rough passage, but the three persons were safely taken on board of the Guardian-Mother. CHAPTER XXXVI A HAPPY REUNION By skilful management on the part of the commander of the Guardian-Mother, the first cutter, containing the three passengers, was hoisted up to the davits, and the lady was assisted to the deck, where she was warmly welcomed by Captain Ringgold. The mate and the oarsmen assisted Louis and Felix out of the boat, for it was impossible for any of them to stand alone on the deck of the plunging vessel. The young millionaire took the arm of his mother, and conducted her to the _boudoir_, where the nickeled rail nearly surrounding the apartment enabled her to preserve her equilibrium, though with no little difficulty. The first thing she did was to throw her spare arm around the neck of her son, and draw him to her heart, while she wept tears of joy to find herself once more in his presence. Louis returned the embrace very earnestly, and he could not repress his own tears. For some minutes they remained in each other’s arms, speaking not a word, for no words were equal to the expression of their emotions. “Sit down, my dear mother,” said Louis at last, as he supported her to the broad sofa, where he seated her, and then bolstered her on one side with the cushions. “I thank the good Lord that we are together once more, Louis,” she replied, taking the hand not in use in clinging to the rail. “But I am utterly bewildered to find you here, as I was when you came to me on the wreck. I gave myself up for lost before I saw the boats of this steamer coming over the stormy sea.” “But you are safe now, and I hope all your trials and persecutions are over,” added her son warmly, as he pressed the hand he held. “But where is that man--Scoble, I mean?” asked the poor woman, with a timid glance at Louis. “He and his crew will be brought on board of the steamer by the second cutter.” “This steamer?” “Certainly; there is no other steamer near us. But you need not see him if you do not wish to do so,” suggested Louis. “I hope he has not ill-treated you, mother;” and the teeth of the young man were firmly set together. “No, my son; but his presence is intensely disagreeable to me. Felix has saved me from a great deal of annoyance.” “Flix, my dear fellow, I had almost forgotten you in finding my mother!” exclaimed Louis, as he grasped the hand of his former crony. “Faix, ye’s moight forget the loikes o’ me at the prisent moment,” replied Felix. “But it’s mighty glad Oi am to see you, Louis, me darlint.”