three in it. The two men were not hauled in, for the gale was blowing
too hard, but they clung to the rescuing skiff. The girl's brother was
not to be seen. Instantly Dibbs dived under the yacht. It seemed an
incredible time before he reappeared; but when he did, he had a body with
him. Blood was coming from his nose, the strain of holding his breath
had been so great. It was impossible to get the insensible body into the
skiff. He grasped the side, and held the boy's head up. The girl rowed
hard, but made little headway. Other rescue boats arrived presently,
however, and they were all got to shore safely.

Lieutenant Archie Harman did not die. Animation was restored after great
difficulty, but he did not sail away with the Ruby next morning to the
Polynesian Islands. Another man took his place.

Little was said between Commander Dibbs and Laura Harman at parting late
that night. She came from her brother's bedside and laid her hand upon
his arm. "It is good," she said, "for a man to be brave as well as
ambitious. You are sure to succeed; and I shall be proud of you, for--
for you saved my brother's life, you see," she timidly added; and she
was not often timid.

.........................

Five months after, when the Ruby was lying with the flag-ship off one
of the Marshall Islands, a packet of letters was brought from Fiji by a
trading-schooner. One was for Commander Dibbs. It said in brief: "You
saved my brother's life--that was brave. You saved his honour--that was
noble. He has told me all. He will resign and clear you when the
Admiral returns. You are a good man."