Since the weather had calmed down, and there was no longer any
necessity for exertion, the expedition had lost its charm for the
young man.

"I think it is useless; what say you, Willis?"

"Ah," said the latter, taking Becker by the hand, "in consideration of
the eight days' friendship that connects you even more intimately with
Captain Littlestone than my affection for him of twenty years'
standing, keep still a few miles to the east."

"If the sloop has been driven to a distance by the storm, and is
returning towards us, which is very likely, I do not see that we can
be of much use."

"But if dismasted and leaky?"

"That would alter the case, only I am afraid the ladies will be uneasy
about us."

"But they were half prepared, father."

"Jack is right," added Fritz, whose energies were again called into
play by the thought of the _Nelson_ in distress; "let us go on."

"Besides, on the word of a pilot, the sea will be very calm and gentle
for some time to come: there is not the slightest danger."

"And what if there were?" replied Fritz.