The judge wrung his hand. "I thank you, sir! I thank you!" he exclaimed.
The mother burst into tears as she held the child to her heart; then taking Rochford's hand, she pressed it to her lips. The nurse, seeing the child was saved, quickly recovered, and exhibited her gratitude in even a more demonstrative way than her master and mistress.
I came in for a share of their thanks when they were informed that I had thrown the grating overboard which had contributed so much to save the lives both of the little boy and our friend.
Rochford having assured those who had collected round him to pay compliments, that he had really done nothing to deserve all the fine things that were said, dived below to change his wet garments. In a short time afterwards he appeared on deck as if nothing particular had happened.
As may be supposed, he became a greater favourite than ever with the judge and his wife; and even some of those who had before looked at him askance, acknowledged that he was a very fine fellow.
The ship was again put before the wind, and away she stood on her westward course.
Among those who looked upon Rochford as a hero was Tim Flanagan, who regarded his fellow-countryman with unbounded admiration, and declared himself ready to go through fire and water to serve him. Lejoillie had also taken a great liking to him, and they frequently walked the deck together, engaged in earnest conversation. Following the Frenchman's advice, Rochford had been very careful not again to express his political opinions in public, though he did not hesitate to talk freely to me, as I have no doubt he did to the naturalist.
He was thus generally liked, and with the ladies, especially, he became a great favourite. No one, indeed, would have considered him a dangerous character, if one had seen him, whenever he could get little Paul out of the black nurse's arms, carrying the child about and playing with him on deck, but taking very good care that he should not again slip through a port.
The weather continued brilliant; and the numerous sea-birds, which flitted high in the air or hovered round the ship, told us that we were nearing the end of our voyage.
FIRST SIGHT OF LAND--ON BOARD THE "GREAT ALEXANDER"--SCISSOR-BILLS-- FLYING-FISH--OFF AMELIA ISLAND--SOMETHING ABOUT FLORIDA--INDIAN TREATIES--ROCHFORD'S DESIRE TO SERVE THE RED MEN--ENTRANCE TO SAINT JOHN RIVER--THE HAZARD LIGHTHOUSE--A GOOD CURE FOR INTEMPERANCE--SAINT JOHN BLUFF--A SAD HISTORY--A CHANGE OF WEATHER--THE STORM--A FLORIDA SWAMP--A SUCCESSFUL HUNT--SURPRISED BY INDIANS--PARTING WITH OUR NEW FRIENDS.