For half an hour or so he saw nothing, though
during that time the hoarse bellowing of a steam whistle, approaching
closely and then receding, told of a passing ship. While the lookout
was still listening to this a black form, magnified to gigantic size by
his apprehensions and the opaqueness through which he saw it, loomed up
directly ahead and apparently not a rod away. With a sharp cry of
warning the lad sprang aft, while a yell of dismay came from the
stranger. The next moment, both vessels having been headed sharply
into the wind, lay side by side, heaving and grinding against each
other, with their sails slatting noisily overhead.
As our lads realised the true character of the other craft, they were
ready to laugh at their fright of a minute earlier, for she was only an
open fishing boat, carrying three men, a woman, and a couple of
children.
"We took ye for a steamer, first sight," remarked one of the men.
"And we did the same by you," laughed White. "Who are you and where
are you bound?"
"Mail boat from L'Anse Au Loup for Flower Cove," replied the man, "and
as we're not sure of our compass we'd be obleeged if you'd give us a
bearing."
"With pleasure. Come aboard and take it for yourself. If you'll wait
just a minute I'll have a letter ready for you."
So saying the young skipper dived below and hastily pencilled a line to
his mother, telling of their safety up to that time.
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