Surely now was a time to test its power, I
thought, and the thought gave me courage. Renewing my efforts, I at
length reached the boat and grasped the rudder. But the rudder came
away in my hand, having been displaced in the capsizing of the
boat. This, however, aided me in keeping afloat till I was enabled
to reach the boat again and cling to the keel.
Now was I in comparative safety, for I did not doubt that Carver
Kinlay would see me and bear down to rescue me.
When, after many failures, I managed to climb up the side of the
boat and get astride of her keel, I began to feel sick with the sea
water I had swallowed and weak after my long swim. Then my head
grew dizzy, a mist came over my eyes, and I fainted away.
Chapter XXI. The Rescue.
When I returned to consciousness the warm sunlight was slanting
down upon me. I opened my eyes and saw the snowy clouds floating in
the blue sky. I thought I had but fallen asleep in the stern of the
Curlew as she lay against the jetty on that Sabbath afternoon.
I felt the boat rising and falling gently on the tide. All was
quiet, except for the swishing of the water against the planks of
the boat.
I tried to speak:
"Father," I said, thinking he was there on the jetty smoking.
Then I felt a hand laid gently on my breast and a shadow crossed
between me and the sun.
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