When Seabold next awoke, he wondered if perhaps the storm had been just a dream.

For he found himself in a little wooden bed under a cheerful gingham quilt, and he was no longer in the sea, but looking out at the sea, through a small window by his side. A daisy stood in a jar on the windowsill.

Seabold tapped his head to be sure he wasn’t dreaming. And just as he was about to try his legs on the shiny wooden floor, the door to his room opened and in stepped a cat.

She was smiling and had an apron tied around her waist. In her hands was a tray of tea and biscuits.

“Good morning,” she said, setting the tray on the table beside the bed. “I hoped you might be awake. I am Pandora.”

Still unsure whether he was dreaming, Seabold extended his paw to shake hers. “And I am Seabold,” he said. “At least, I think I am.”

Pandora smiled. “You have had a rather bad journey,” she said.

“I thought it was my last,” answered Seabold.

Pandora poured him a cup of tea, which smelled like flowers. Seabold drank it gratefully. “Thank you,” he said. “May I have more? I’m so thirsty.”

Pandora nodded and poured another cup. “All that salt water,” she said.

“I don’t know how I am alive,” said Seabold.

“Nor do I,” said Pandora. “When I found you on the shore three days ago, I was certain you were dead.”

“I’ve been here three days?” exclaimed Seabold.

“Yes.” Pandora smiled. “Sleeping like a baby.”

Seabold shook his head. “I remember only going under,” he said. “My boat—have you seen her?”

“Not yet,” said Pandora. “But it may be farther down the shore. When you are able to walk, we shall go search.”

“Able to walk?” said Seabold.

“Your leg,” said Pandora.

Seabold drew back the gingham quilt. With surprise, he saw that his left leg was bandaged and splinted knee to foot. “Heavens,” he said. “But, there is no pain. Shouldn’t I be suffering?”

Pandora smiled with pleasure. “I am something of a doctor, I suppose,” she said. “I have studied plants and learned those that heal. I wrapped your leg in plantain leaves to relieve the swelling. And the splint will prevent further injury.”

“Amazing!” said Seabold.

Pandora blushed with pride.

“And are you alone here?” asked Seabold, sipping his tea. Pandora had poured herself a cup.