Page:Dick Sands the Boy Captain.djvu/171

LAND AT LAST. I4S captain's orders. Dîd I not direct you to keep to your cabîn?" "You dîd," replîed the lady; "but observing how much the storm had abated, I could not resist the tempta- tion to disobey you." " Yes, madam, the weather is far more promîsîng ; the barometer has not fallen sînce yesterday morning, and I really trust the worst îs over now." " Thank Heaven ! " she reph'ed, and after a few moments' sflence, she added, — " But now, Dîck, you must really take some rest ; you may perhaps not know how much you requîre it ; but it is absolutely necessary." " Rest ! " the boy repeated ; " rest ! I want no rest. I hâve only done my duty, and it will be time enough for me to concem myself about my own rest, when I hâve seen my passengers in a place of safety." "You hâve acquitted yourself like a man," said Mrs. Weldon ; " and you may be assured that my husband, like myself, will never forget the services you hâve rendered me. I shall urge upon him the request which I am sure he will not refuse, that you shall hâve your studios com- pleted, so that you may be made a captain for the firm." Tears of gratitude rose to Dick*s eyes. He deprecated the praise that was lavished upon him, but rejoiced in the prospect that seemed opening upon his future. Mrs. Weldon assured him that he was dear as a son to her, and pressed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. The lad felt that he was ànimated, if need be, to yet grcatcr hardships in behalf of his benefactors, and rcsolvcd to prove himself even more worthy of their confidence. By the 29th, the wind had so far modcrated that Dick thought he mîght increase the " Pilgrim's '* spccd by hoisting the foresail and topsail. " Now, my men, I hâve some work for you to-day," he said to the negroes when he came on deck at daybrcak. " AU rîght, captain," answered Hercules, " we are grow- îng rusty for want of somethîng to do." " Why didn't you blow with your bîg mouth } " saîd L