They are shortening sail.

We shall be alongside in a few minutes." "Who are you and what do you want ?" asked a voice from the frigate, so soon as we were within hail.
"We are English and starving.

For God's sake, throw us a rope!" I answered.
The rope being thrown and the sloop made fast, I asked the officer of the watch to take us on board the frigate, as seeing the condition of our boat and ourselves, I did not think we could possibly reach our destination, that my wife was very sick, and unless she could have better attention than we were able to give her, might not recover.
"Of course we will take you on board--and the poor lady.

Pass the word for the doctor, you there! But what on earth are you doing with a lady in a craft like that, so far out at sea, too ?" Without waiting for an answer to his question, the officer ordered a hammock to be lowered, in which we carefully placed Angela, who was thereupon hoisted on the frigate's deck.

We men followed, and were received by a fine old gentleman with a florid face and white hair, whom I rightly conjectured to be the captain.
"Well," he said, quietly, "what can I do for you ?" "Water," I gasped, for the exertion of coming on board had been almost too much for me.
"Poor fellow! Certainly.