I don't blame the fellows: I had no business where I was; and they could not conceive that a man would risk his life for a few butterflies." "But if you were hanged, sir--" "Why did I not die ?--By my usual luck.

The fellows were clumsy, and the noose would not work; so that the Mexican doctor, who meant to dissect me, brought me round again; and being a freemason, as I am, stood by me,--got me safe off, and cheated the devil." The worthy Lieutenant walked on in silence, stealing furtive glances at Tom, as if he had been a guest from the other world, but not disbelieving his story in the least.

He had seen, as most old navy men, so many strange things happen, that he was prepared to give credit to any tale when told, as Tom's was, with a straightforward and unboastful simplicity.
"There lives the girl who saved you," said he, as they passed Grace Harvey's door.
"Ah?
I ought to call and pay my respects." But Grace was not at home.

The wreck had emptied the school; and Grace had gone after her scholars to the beach.
"We couldn't keep her away, weak as she was," said a neighbour, "as soon as she heard the poor corpses were coming ashore." "Hum ?" said Tom.

"True woman.