" And there was
a murmur of approval at the dreadful words.
"For Christ's sake--for Christ's sake!" wailed the drowning woman, who
clung desperately to Robert's hand.
"If you try to pull her in, we will throw you overboard," said the voice
again, and a knife was lifted as though to hack at his arm. Then the
officer spoke once more.
"This lady cannot come into the boat unless someone goes out of it. I
would myself, but it is my duty to stay. Is there any man here who will
make place for her?"
But all the men there--seven of them, besides the crew--hung their heads
and were silent.
"Give way," said the officer in the same heavy voice; "she will drop off
presently."
While the words passed his lips Robert seemed to live a year. Here was
an opportunity of atonement for his idle and luxurious life. An hour ago
he would have taken it gladly, but now--now, with Benita senseless on
his breast, and that answer still locked in her sleeping heart? Yet
Benita would approve of such a death as this, and even if she loved him
not in life, would learn to love his memory. In an instant his mind was
made up, and he was speaking rapidly.
"Thompson," he said to the officer, "if I go, will you swear to take her
in and her child?"
"Certainly, Mr.
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