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“‘Have men no contrivance for escaping on these occasions?’ the mother bird inquired.

“‘They have boats, into which they go when the ship will hold them no longer. It is much as if you should put out the little one to fly in a storm against which your own wings failed.’

“‘Perhaps the boats are in good order when the ship is not,’ said Mother Albatross, who had a practical gift. ‘Were there boats to this one?’

“‘There were. I saw one lowered, and quickly filled with men, eager to snatch this last chance of life.

“‘Was the captain in it?’ she asked.

“‘No. He stayed on the ship and gave orders. The dog stayed with him. Another boat was lowered and filled just as the ship went down.’

“‘Was the captain in it?’

“‘Again, no. He stayed with the vessel and some others with him. They were just sinking as I came for you. With the last glance I gave I saw the captain standing quite still near the wheel. The dog was sitting on his feet. They were both looking in one direction–away over the sea. But why should you distress yourself? It is all over long since. Think of the little one, and let us be thankful that we belong to a superior race. We might have been born without wings, like poor sailors.’

“‘I cannot help grieving for the captain,’ said Mother Albatross. ‘When you spoke of his bright eyes and handsome plumage I thought of you; and how should I feel if you were to die? I wish he had gone in the boats.’

“‘I doubt if he would have fared better,’ said the father bird. ‘The second boat must have been swamped in the sinking of the ship; and it is far from probable that the other will get to land.’

“‘Nevertheless, I hope you will fly in that direction to-morrow,’ she said, ‘and bring me word whether there are any traces of the catastrophe.’

“The following morning Father Albatross set off as he was desired. The ship had foundered quite near to the other side of the island, and including a little excursion to see if the first boat were still above water, he expected to be back very shortly.

“He returned even sooner than the Mother Albatross had hoped, and descended to the side of their nest with as much agitation as his majestic form was capable of displaying.

“‘Wonders will never cease!’ he exclaimed. ‘What do you think are on the island?’

“‘I couldn’t guess if I were to try from now till next hatching season,’ said his mate; ‘and I beg you will not keep me in suspense. I am not equal to the slightest trial of the nerves. It is quite enough to be a mother.’

“‘The captain and one or two more men are here,’ said the albatross. ‘What do you think of that? You will be able to see him for yourself, and show the youngster what men are like into the bargain. It’s very strange how they have escaped; and that lazy, self-sufficient dog is with them.’

“‘I cannot possibly leave our young one at present,’ said the Mother Albatross, ‘and he certainly cannot get so far. It will be very provoking if the men leave the island before I can see them.’

“‘There is not much to fear of that,’ her mate answered. ‘A lucky wave has brought them to shore, but it will take a good many lucky waves to bring a ship to carry them home.’

“Father Albatross was right; but his mate saw the strangers sooner than she expected. Her nest, though built on the ground, was on the highest point of the island, and to this the shipwrecked men soon made their way; and there the Mother Albatross had ample chance of seeing the bright eyes of the captain as they scanned the horizon line with keen anxiety. Presently they fell upon the bird herself.

“‘What splendid creatures they are!’ he said to his companion; ‘and so grandly fearless. I was never on one of these islands where they breed before. What a pity it is that they cannot understand one! That fellow there, who is just stretching his noble wings, might take a message and bring us help.’