"If I mistake not this very schooner, which is evidently going to call here, is the _Jane_.

I know her by that queer patch in her jib; and, if that's the case, she is one of the consorts of the _Pilot's Bride_ and will be bound to be able to tell us something about her." "I sincerely hope so," said Fritz.
The two then remained silent for some time, watching the approaching vessel; but they took the precaution to run down their whale-boat to the beach, so as to be ready to put off as soon as the visitor should come near enough for them to board her.
In a short time, bowling up before a good breeze, although it seemed hours to them, they were so anxious, the schooner lay-to off the bay, hoisting her flag as a signal that she wished to communicate.

But, long before the bunting had been run up to the masthead, the brothers had launched their boat and were pulling out towards the vessel, which did not anchor, for there was a heavy ground swell on--this latter, indeed, cost them, too, some trouble in getting their little craft out to sea, the rolling surge first lifting her up and then plunging her down so that everything was hidden from them for the moment by a wall of water on either side.
However, they managed to get through the waves somehow; and, presently, they were alongside the schooner,--pulling in under her stern, whence a rope was hove them to get on board by.
An active-looking, slim, seamanlike young fellow advanced to them as they scrambled on the schooner's deck; and Eric appeared to recognise him.
"Hullo, Captain Fuller," he said, "where's the _Pilot's Bride_ and the old skipper ?" "I'm sorry you won't see him this trip," replied the other.

"The barque got damaged in a gale off the African coast a month ago: so, she had to put into the Cape of Good Hope for repairs, which'll take such a time that Captain Brown couldn't manage to come along here and see you as he promised.

Howsomever, the old skipper has sent me in his stead, to bring you some letters and take home any cargo you might have ready in sealskins and oil.