"Willis! can it be possible?" he exclaimed, taking at the same time
the Pilot's proffered hand.
"Yes, captain, as you see."
"And the two young Beckers, as I live!" cried Littlestone.
"Yes," said Jack, "and delighted to find you at last."
Littlestone then shook them all heartily by the hand.
"It is but a poor welcome that I, a prisoner in the enemy's country,
can give you to Europe; still I am truly overjoyed to see you. But
where have you all come from?"
"From New Switzerland," replied Jack.
"But how?"
"By sea."
"That, of course; and I presume another ship anchored in Safety Bay?"
"No, captain. Seeing you did not return to us, we embarked in the
pinnace and came in search of you."
"Your pinnace was but indifferently calculated to weather a gale,
keeping out of view the other dangers incidental to such a voyage."
"True, captain; but my brother and I, with Willis for a pilot and
Providence for a guardian, ventured to brave these perils; and here we
are, as you see."
"And your mother consented to such a dangerous proceeding, did she?"
"It was for her, and yet against her will, that we embarked on the
voyage."
"I do not understand."
"For her, because, when we left, she was dying."
"Dying, say you?"
"Yes, and our object in coming to Europe was chiefly to obtain
surgical aid.
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