A MAN OVERBOARD. 181

 few sudden strokes brought Jack to him, and he
 seized the man by the hair just as he was about to
 sink again.
 Holding him up firmly above water, he kept him-
 self and the mate afloat, while he called loudly for
 help. His strength was just failing, and, indeed, had
 not the mate been totally unconscious, he could not
 possibly have saved him, when he heard the welcome
 sound of oars and voices near, and in another moment
 they were both hauled into a boat.
 "Well done, youngster!" said Joe's gruff, but kindly
 voice. "Well done, young tar!" "Well done, brave
 lad said voices all around him, and as Jack climbed
 on board out of the boat, safe and sound from his
 exploit, cheers rang through the vessel for the young
 hero of the hour.
 The mate was carried to his cabin, the doctor in
 attendance on him, whilst Jack was escorted down to
 Billy, who gave him dry clothes and a strong cup of
 coffee.
 Then Jack learned that the boat had been manned
 as soon as his cry of Man overboard !" was heard,
 and that in reality but five minutes had elapsed from
 the time he had leaped into the water until he was
 hauled into the boat. The excitement and exertion
 he had gone through had made it seem to him more
like fifteen.