Francis leapt ashore and rang the bell, and then assisted the girls to land.

In a minute the door was thrown open, and two servitors with torches appeared.

There was an exclamation of astonishment as they saw the young ladies alone with a strange attendant.
"I will do myself the honour of calling tomorrow to inquire if you are any the worse for your adventure, signora." "No, indeed," the eldest girl said.

"You must come up with us and see our father.

We must tell him what has happened; and he will be angry indeed, did we suffer our rescuer to depart without his having an opportunity of thanking him." Francis bowed and followed the girls upstairs.