in the morning, old Jacob announced that all danger was over, they calculated that it would take them twenty-four hours and more to reach Savannah, whither they had been bound for some extra ship's supplies.
"I don't care—so long as we have enough eating to last us," was Dick's comment. "I'm happy to escape with my life."
"And I am happy to think that we have been the means of saving somebody else," put in Don.
Both had gone on deck to see what old Jacob had to say about their next movement. They returned to the cabin to find the rescued man stirring again.
"You have saved my life, lads," were his first words. "I shall never forget you for that, never!" and he put out his hand feebly, for one and another to press.
"Did you fall overboard from some boat?" questioned Dick, kindly.
"I did—that is, I am not quite sure," was the measured answer.
"You are not sure?" repeated Don, with a puzzled look.
"No, I am not quite sure. I was standing by the steamer's rail and the ship was pitching terribly. Suddenly I was lifted off my feet—how I cannot tell—and then I found myself pitching headlong into the water. It is strange! strange!—" And the man drew a long breath.
