Very soon he found he was working with the rest in the hopeless endeavour to save the doomed vessels; and he was helpful in getting off some of the half-stifled sailors, dashing upon deck quite a number of times, and bringing back in his strong arms the helpless men who had been overpowered by the flames before they could make their escape.
It was work which Julian loved; for saving life was more to his taste than killing.

He toiled on, cheering up his comrades, till all that could be saved were placed upon shore; and when he stepped at last upon the quay after the last voyage to the burning ships, he found himself confronted by a fine soldierly man, whose dress and manner bespoke him a personage of some importance.
"Well done, my good fellow," he said approvingly; "I shall not forget your gallantry tonight.

You doubtless belong to one of the vessels, since I have no knowledge of your face.

You had better come up to the citadel, where you shall receive refreshment and a place to rest in.

We want all the soldiers we can get for the defence of the town, since we are in evil case between foes on land and foes on the sea." Julian saluted, and spoke a few words of thanks, and the crowd bore him towards the citadel.
"Who was it that spoke to me ?" he asked of his next neighbour; and the man replied with a laugh: "Why, Governor Drucour to be sure! Are you blind with the smoke, my friend?
A very gallant governor and soldier he is, as you should know.