ich was
fast breaking up. To these the captain turned.

"Now, men," he said, "those of you who can swim would do well to take to
the water at once, for it is clear that we shall not have a plank left
to stand on soon. Come, mate, show them an example."

The man, though not very courageous, as his pale face betrayed, happened
to be a good swimmer, and at once leaped into the sea. He was followed
by all who could swim. Those who could not, were encouraged to make the
attempt with planks and oars to aid them. As for Bladud, he busied
himself like the captain in giving heart to the non-swimmers and showing
them how best to use their floats.

The last of the men to leave was little Maikar.

He stood at the bow with his arms crossed on his chest and a look of
melancholy interest on his countenance.

"What! not gone yet?" exclaimed the captain, turning to him.

"I cannot swim," said the man.

"But neither can these," returned the captain, pointing to the men who
had left last.

"My father used to say," rejoined Maikar, as if murmuring to himself,
"that I was born to be drowned, and I'm inclined to think he was right."

"Surely you are not afraid," said Arkal.

"Afraid!" exclaimed Maikar, with a sarcastic laugh. "No, captain, but
I'm sorry to part with you, because you've been a good captain to me."

"An' I bear no ill-will to you, Bladud, though you _did_ squeeze most of
the life out of me once. Farewell, both."

As he spoke the little man seized an oar, leaped overboard, and, after
some trouble in steadying himself and pointing the oar in the right
direction, struck out for the shore.

It was a long way off, and often, while this scene was being enacted,
was heard the bubbling cry of men whose powers were failing them. Some
were carried by currents against a point to the westward and,
apparently, dashed against the rocks. Others sank before half the
distance had been traversed.

Bladud and the captain looked at each other when Maikar had left them.

"Can you swim?" asked the captain. "Like a duck," returned the prince,
"and I can help you if required."

"I swim like a fish," returned the captain, "but it is hard to part from
my _Penelope_! She has never failed me till now, and as this venture
contains all my goods, I am a ruined man."

"But your life still remains," said the prince. "Be of good cheer,
captain. A stout man can make his fortune more than once. Come, let us
go."

A loud cry f