The hawser was tight and the descent sharp,
and without a check the figure ran down to the deck of the Seabird.
She was lifted out of the slings by Tom and Jack Harvey, who found
she was an old woman and had entirely lost consciousness.
"Two of you carry her down below; tell Johnson to pour a little
brandy down her throat. Give her some hot soup as soon as she comes
to."
Another woman was lowered and helped below. The next to descend
was Mrs. Grantham.
"Thank God, you are rescued!" Tom said, as he helped her out of
the sling.
"Thank God, indeed," Mrs. Grantham said, "and thank you all!
Oh, Tom, we have had a terrible time of it, and had lost all hope
till we saw your sail, and even then the captain said that he was
afraid nothing could be done. Minnie was the first to make out it
was you, and then we began to hope. She has been so brave, dear
girl. Ah! here she comes."
But Minnie's firmness came to an end now that she felt the need
for it was over. She was unable to stand when she was lifted from
the slings, and Tom carried her below.
"Are there any more women, Mrs. Grantham?"
"No; there was only one other lady passenger and the stewardess."
"Then you had better take possession of your own cabin. I ordered
Johnson to spread a couple more mattresses and some bedding on the
floor, so you will all four be able to turn in.
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