my long life of wanderings who was worthy the name of friend! but she,
kind, beautiful lady, is gone;" and the rough tar drew his sleeve across
his eyes, and turning toward the island, muttered,--"twelve, yes,
fifteen years ago this very month, and I the only one saved! I worked
hard, but it was of no use; it was to be. I'd gladly have gone down to
have saved her."

"Well, Sampson, I think it is you who are losing your senses now," said
Harry, as he listened to his inaudible words; "but you shall not say you
have not a friend so long as my craft sails the ocean, for I never shall
forget your kindness to me and my faithful old Nep, while exposed to the
harsh treatment of our former captain; and depend upon it, you will have
made other true friends, when the dear ones at home shall have heard of
your generous conduct. I have one of the best of mothers, Mr. Sampson,
and a sister who would make you a better man to look into her
heaven-speaking eyes! A likeness of her was among my valuables when I
left home, but it has been by some means mislaid."

"A better man, eh? well, there's room enough for that! I shall have to
lie under a close reef, and by the help of my glass, I may get sight of
her some day."

The crew of the Nautilus, after having made themselves as tidy as a six
months' beard, and a suit of three years' usage would admit, prepared to
go ashore. As Harry stepped upon the wharf, he looked among the ships
lying at the dock, for the Tantalizer, but not seeing her, he concluded
she must have put to sea again, and taking his package upon his
shoulder, he whistled for Neptune, and turned his footsteps homeward.
How familiar was every object as he tripped along the street! everything
appeared the same as when he left, and as he passed the old church, it