Captain Manton was ageing rapidly, but still looked to have many years of life before him. With sturdy Wal Jessop and his wife he passed life comfortably, and lived for his daughter, who amply repaid the affection he bestowed upon her.
Eva Manton had her admirers as other girls have, but she kept them at arm’s length. She meant to be her father’s companion while he lived, and thought it no sacrifice upon her part to remain with him.
Now she could understand all about that terrible wreck, and how Wal Jessop’s sturdy arms had rescued Edgar Foster and herself from the rocks below where they stood.
She often sat there looking down into the depths, and thought how Edgar Foster had at the risk of his own life saved hers. Then she would think of the peril her father had passed through, and of his wonderful rescue and discovery on the island by Wal Jessop and Edgar. She felt it was good to be alive after such trials and sufferings, and she was thankful for her existence.
‘A letter from Edgar,’ said Wal Jessop one morning as they all sat in the cottage.
This was an important event, and one always eagerly looked forward to. Edgar’s letters gave them all pleasure, they were so bright and cheery, and full of good news and good wishes.
Wal Jessop read it, and, as usual, had to repeat the operation.
‘That’s what I call a manly letter,’ said Captain Manton.
‘He was always a straight goer,’ said Wal Jessop. ‘As a lad he was a manly youngster.’
‘He was brave,’ said Eva, ‘and full of courage. He risked his life for mine.’
‘And for that I am ever grateful,’ said her father.
‘I wish him well,’ said Wal, ‘for he deserves to be happy. I always thought him a lad of mettle.’
Some cricketers in the book have the same names as well-known cricketers of the time period.
The original hard copy version of this book has advertisements at the end, some of which are now illegible due to wear, and these advertisements are not included in this version.
Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
p. 187: MacDonald changed to MacDonnell (the MacDonnell Ranges)