"Rouse up, sir, look alive! Steamer close aboard of us. She's whistling; she's seen us. I waved to her. Now we must leave this sinking boat."
I started up. The evening had fallen. The _Osprey_ was half full of water. I had been dreaming of sinking--the reality was very near.
"Let us shout," I cried. "Say we're sinking, Tim."
"That's no lie, Mister Jule. The steamer sees us right enough. Will she be in time?"
"What a time she takes," I muttered. "Somehow I can't believe it all. Is it _really_ true, Tim?"
"Rather!" replied Tim. "There's the boat launched! Don't you believe the water's up to your boots now? Look at it!"
I suppose I was still half asleep. I gazed at the swishing sea, and had no fear.
"All right, I can swim! You said we wouldn't, Tim!"
"You're nearer sinkin'," he answered. "Dad will never see the home again, arter all. Well, well, it's the Lord's will, that it is."
It was a sad and painful ending to a boating excursion. But at least we were saved, and going home. How delightful it would be to see mother again, to tell her all my adventures, to confess my temper, and to try to do all she had told me to please Mr. Bentham. Yes, I made up my mind to behave well, and give up the sea--if I must.
My reverie had been suddenly cut short. I looked up, the steamer's boat was alongside.
"Just in the nick," remarked the officer. "How did you lads get into this pickle o' fish? Lucky we sighted you."
"Yes," I responded in a sleepy voice. "Is Tim there?"
"And your father's--body?" I asked. "Bring him out, please."
"What?" exclaimed the steersman. "A body--a dead body! Not for us. Push off, lads."
"You won't take it?" I cried. "Won't you bring it ashore?"
"No time to go ashore, youngster! There, you see, just in time! See!--she's sinking!"
I looked. The _Osprey_ began to lurch and dip as the men pulled away. I stared in dread suspense, half dead, I fancied. Then we increased our distance. The _Osprey_ lifted and fell, appeared again, disappeared; rose again, and just when one expected to see it once more the sea hid it and bore it out of sight for ever.
I think I shouted; I know I leaped up in haste, but a firm hand was placed upon my collar, and I sank back unconscious of all around me save the darkness of sea and sky. My senses left me!
