Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/137

Rh had she marked the situation of the slowly-rolling, weltering hulk, as to its bearings from where she stood, as to give her husband the best possible directions, though view he had none, for there was a lull on the water; and the little skiff now rose, now fell, in a way that would have been alarming to unpractised persons, and at length appeared to be, all at once, precipitated on the huge vessel she sought, and which, despite of all its injuries and sufferings, was the Thetis. Lord Meersbrook sank down breathless from extreme agitation, utterly unable to ask a single question; the young couple comprehended his situation, and, not doubting that his brother was the captain, seeing they were attended to, bawled out, hastily, "How's your captain?" "Dead, and buried in Corunna long since," was the sorrowful reply. Lord Meersbrook started to his feet, and screamed rather than shouted, "Where is Lieutenant Hales?" "Here, and alive; no one is well; we are starving!" "Alas! alas! and we have nothing to give them." "Lord, zur, never trouble yourself for that'n; here comes the tackle, and if you'll please go up, Sally an' me 'll be back in a crack, and send your man to the government house at Plymouth, in a