l three very strong, and our help is surely
worth having."

Robertson patted her soft cheek with his big, sunburnt hand. "You are
your father's daughter, Sarah, and I thank you. Of course your help
would be something; three fine lusty young women"--he tried to
smile--"but it's too dangerous for you to be on deck. All the bulwarks
are gone, and nasty lumping seas come aboard every now and then."

"I'm not afraid of a life-line hurting my waist," was the prompt answer,
"and neither is Sukie--are you Sukie? Go on deck, captain, and Sukie and
I and Mina" (the servant) "will just kick off our boots and follow you."

"And I too," broke in old Father Roget. "Surely I am not too old to
help."

In less than five minutes the two half-caste girls, the native woman
Mina, and the old priest, were working the starboard brake, three seamen
being on the lee side. Every now and then, as the barque took a heavy
roll to windward, the water would flood her deck up to the workers'
knees; but they stuck steadily to their task for half an hour, when they
gave place to Burr, the carpenter, the Rev. Wilfrid, and three native
seamen.

In the cabin Mrs. Lacy sat with ashen-hued face beside Miss Weidermann,
their hands clasped together, and listening to the wild clamour of the
wind and sea. Presently the two De Boos girls, Lacy, Father Roget, and
Mina, came below to rest awhile, the water streaming from their sodden
garments. The old priest, thoroughly exhausted, threw himself down upon
the transom locker cushions.

"Wilfrid," said Mrs. Lacy coming over to him and placing her shaking
hand on his shoulder, "cannot I do something? Oh, Miss De Boos, I wish I
were brave, like you. But I am not--I am a coward, and I hate myself for
it."

The Rev. Wilfrid smiled tenderly at her as he drew her to him for a
moment. "Don't worry, little woman. You can't do anything--yes, you can,
though! Get me my pipe and fill it for me. My hands are wet and
cramped."

Sukie De Boos, whose firm, rounded bosom and strong square shoulders
made a startling contrast, as they revealed their shape under her
soddened blouse, to Mrs. Lacy's fragile figure, impulsively put her
hands out, and taking Mrs. Lacy's face between them, kissed her twice.

"Dear Mrs. Lacy," she said, "don't be frightened, please. Now get Mr.
Lacy's pipe, and I'll rummage the steward's pantry and get some food for
us all to eat. Mr. Otway told me to tell you and Miss Weidermann to eat
something,