"Bargate, who pulls the stroke oar in the second cutter, has the rheumatism
in his right arm, and is not fit to go in the boat," interposed Mr.
Gaskette, the second officer.

"Let me take his place, Captain Ringgold!" eagerly exclaimed Louis
Belgrave.

"Do you think you can pull an oar in a heavy seaway, Mr. Belgrave?" asked
the commander, who always treated the owner with entire respect in the
presence of others, though he called him by his given name when they were
alone.

"I know I can!" replied Louis very confidently.

"I do not object, if Mr. Scott is willing."

"I am very willing, for Mr. Belgrave's muscle is as hard as a flint."

"Very well. Hurry up!" added the captain.

Four other men were sent aft to assist in the preparations for putting the
second cutter into the water; and in as short a time as Mr. Gaskette, who
usually went in that boat on important occasions, would have required to do
it, the cutter was ready to be dropped into the water when the order was
given.

The captain and the second officer continued to watch the party on the
wreck, expecting every moment to see some of them swept into the savage
waves that beat against their frail support. The ship went at full speed on