Isles of the Sea by Oliver Optic

The carpenter of the Tritonia climbed up the rope, and reached the deck of the steamer. The moment he saw Mr. Frisbone, he recognized him, and saluted him with nautical politeness.

"Mr. Rimmer, the carpenter of the Tritonia," said O'Hara, by way of introduction.

"I am glad to see an American seaman on board of this steamer," replied Mr. Frisbone heartily. "You are the carpenter of the Tritonia, and you can soon tell whether this vessel is worth saving."

"She don't seem to be in very bad condition with the exception of that hole in her starboard bow," added Mr. Rimmer, as he cast his eyes about him.

"I wish you would look her over; and then we can decide what is best to be done."

The carpenter began his survey of the vessel, accompanied by Mr. Frisbone and O'Hara. They visited every part of her, examining very carefully into her condition.

"I suppose I know as much about the engine as anybody; and I can say that it is in good order," said Mr. Frisbone, as they passed the door of the engine-room.

"I don't know any thing about engines," added the carpenter modestly. "But I can say that the vessel is in first-rate condition; and that hole in her bow can be stopped so that she will live in any sea. The opening is above the water-line, so that there will be no great pressure upon it."

"Then we can save the vessel," replied the American Prince, as he claimed to be, and as he had named his steam-yacht. "That will be a feather in the caps of you boys."

"I should like to take a hand in the game," said O'Hara, his face lighting up at the prospect.

"But we want help; and there is a great deal of hard work to be done," continued Mr. Frisbone. "How many hands have you in your boat?"

"Ten besides Mr. Rimmer."

"If they are good stout hands, we may do something with them."

"But I must report the condition of the vessel, and wait for further orders," interposed O'Hara.

"Quite right," added the Prince, with a smile. "I forgot that you live on your discipline."

"But the boat came off to take you and the ladies on board the Tritonia."

"I think we are safe enough here for the present; and I know the women-folks won't think they can get into that boat while it is bobbing around like corn in a popper. Return to your ship, and give my respects to the captain and the old folks on board, and tell them I think the steamer can be saved."

O'Hara tried to explain how easy it would be to get the ladies into the cutter; but Mr. Frisbone seemed to be unwilling to leave the steamer while there was a chance to save her. He conducted the young officer into the cabin, the door of which opened from the main deck.

"Here, Maggie," said the Prince, calling to his wife, who was in her state-room. "One of the vessels of the academy squadron has come to get us out of this scrape."

Mrs. Frisbone came out of the state-room, looking very pale and sick. She was followed by her sister the invalid, who, however, looked better than the Prince's wife.