It was hard to lose the brig; he had worked hard for the money she represented, and he would have now to begin again on the lowest step of the ladder--if he escaped with his life, that was to say.
Less selfish thoughts succeeded then, and he turned to Nils.
"What I feel most in this business, Nils," he said, earnestly, "is the thought that you or any of the others may perhaps pay the penalty for my mad sailing last night, with your lives.

The brig is my own affair." "Oh, it will be all right, captain, you'll see," replied Nils, cheeringly.

"If we can hang on to the old craft while she bumps over the banks, we shall manage somehow or other inside I expect." "God grant it!" said Salve, and turned away.
Nils remained standing where he was for a moment, and something like a spasm passed across his heavy features.

He believed their situation to be desperate, and the vision of his home again rose before him, and almost choked him.
"Relieve the pumps!" was heard.

It was his turn again, and he gave himself unweariedly to the work.
Salve seemed like one conscience-smitten.