He waited, but the merchant never came; and Michael told him with considerable anxiety that this was the first time his young master had missed coming this five years.
In course of the day, several underwriters came in, with long faces, to verify the report, which had now reached Lloyd's, that the _Proserpine_ had foundered at sea.
"It is too true," said Michael; "and poor Mr.Wylie here has barely escaped with his life.

He was mate of the ship, gentlemen." Upon this, each visitor questioned Wylie, and Wylie returned the same smooth answer to all inquiries.

One heavy gale after another had so tried the ship that her seams had opened, and let in more water than all the exertions of the crew and passengers could discharge; at last, they had taken to the boats; the long-boat had been picked up; the cutter had never been heard of since.
They nearly all asked after the ship's log.
"I have got it safe at home," said he.
It was in his pocket all the time.
Some asked him where the other survivors were.

He told them five had shipped on board the _Maria,_ and three were with him at Poplar, one disabled by the hardships they had all endured.
One or two complained angrily of Mr.Wardlaw's absence at such a time.
"Well, good gentlemen," said Wylie, "I'll tell ye.

Mr.Wardlaw's sweetheart was aboard the ship.