Chapter VIII

"All's well so far, sir," said Ready to Mr. Seagrave; "and now let us
return thanks to Heaven."

As they rose to their feet again, after giving thanks to the Almighty,
William came up and said, "Father, my mother was awakened by the noise
under the ship's bottom, and is frightened - will you go down to her?"

"What is the matter, my dear, - and where have you all been?" exclaimed
Mrs. Seagrave, when her husband went down below. "I have been so
frightened - I was in a sound sleep, and I was awakened with such a
dreadful noise."

"Be composed, my dear," replied Mr. Seagrave; "we have been in great
danger, and are now, I trust, in safety. Tell me, are you not better
for your long sleep?"

"Yes, much better - much stronger; but do tell me what has happened."

"Much took place, dearest, before you went to sleep, which was
concealed from you; but now, as I expect we shall all go on shore in a
short time--"

"Go on shore, my dear?"

"Yes, on shore. Now be calm, and hear what has happened, and how much
we have reason to be grateful to Heaven."