Only a cloud of canvass was visible now, but
soon the dark hull of a vessel appeared, and the mate hastened to light
a lantern and hoist it to attract their attention. The signal was
seemingly observed in an instant on board the stranger, and the hoarse
deep order to heave the ship to, rolled over the waters and rang a
welcome sound in the cars of those in the boat.
"I know not what sort of craft she is," said the mate; "and this is a
latitude where pirates intercept the homeward bound ships sometimes,
though according to ny reckoning, we are too well in for the land to be
in that track."
"I trust there is no danger in accepting the assistance that the ship
appears willing to give?" said the mother anxiously, to the mate.
"It is not more dangerous than to pass another night in this open boat,
madam, at all events," replied the mate, frankly.
"Stand by, to take this tow-line," shouted a voice from the bulwarks of
the ship, as the vessel drifted with a side impetus towards the tiny
craft, while the figure of a man was observed in the mizzen shrouds with
a coil of line ready to heave, at the word of command.
"Ay, ay," answered the mate, steering his boat so as to bring her side
on to the ship, and opening his arms to catch the line, which he saw was
about to be thrown.
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