Four were sailors and one an officer in uniform, and he knew well that they were coming to see him, the human being by the fire who had saved them.

Pride was mingled with his joy.

If he had not been there the sloop and probably all on board of her would have perished.

It was touch and go, only a brief opportunity to save had been allowed him, but he had used it.

So he raised himself to his full height, straightened his clothes, for which he always had respect despite the storm, and waited on.