Captain Beausire, seated between the two women, held the tiller, and he said:
"You will see, we shall be close in her way—close."
And the two oarsmen pulled with all their might to get out as far as possible. Suddenly Roland cried out:
"Here she comes! I see her masts and her two funnels! She is coming out of the inner harbour."
"Cheerily, lads!" cried Beausire.
Mme. Roland took out her handkerchief and held it to her eyes.
Roland stood up, clinging to the mast, and answered:
"At this moment she is working round in the outer harbour. She is standing still—now she moves again! She is taking the tow-rope on board no doubt. There she goes. Bravo! She is between the piers! Do you hear the crowd shouting? Bravo! The Neptune has her in tow. Now I see her bows—here she comes—here she is! Gracious Heavens, what a ship! Look! Look!"
Mme. Rosémilly and Beausire looked behind them, the oarsmen ceased pulling; only Mme. Roland did not stir.
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