WISHING GOSSIP. 113 



myself from it was impossible. In the first place 

 I had not strength to move ; and in the second, 

 if I had attempted it I should have upset my 

 little barque. 



I was in despair ; cold, shivering, wet, and 

 miserably ill. I bore it for some time, and at 

 last from sheer exhaustion fainted. How long 

 I may have remained so I know not, but on 

 coming to my senses found myself in a warm 

 bed and comfortable room. 



" Where am I ?" I faintly exclaimed. 



" All right," answered a voice, " I am with 

 you. It's EL, your old friend : don't you know 

 me?" 



It was, indeed, my friend, and with him was 

 my Quimper chum. Both were standing by 

 me. 



"A very narrow escape indeed," said H. 

 " You have been here insensible for eight days, 

 picked up off the Glenans by a fishing-boat in 

 that infernal coracle of yours. I have heard of 

 fellows going to sea in a cockle-shell, but never 

 in a clothes-basket." 



It appears I had been found as stated hitched 

 to the sardine net, and carried into Concarneau. 



8 



