as maybe we may not get anything for some hours. So I'm just
going to stay here and see that every one _does_ eat. I'll set you a
good example."

In a few minutes she laid upon the table an assortment of tinned meats,
bread, and some bottled beer, and some brandy for Father Roget and Lacy.
Otway came down, followed by the steward, and nodded approval.

"That's right, Sukie. Eat as much as you can. I'll take a drink myself.
Here's luck to you, Sukie. Perhaps we won't have to make up a boating
party after all. But there's nothing like being ready. So will you, Mr.
Lacy, lend a hand here with the steward, and pass up our provisions to
the second mate? The captain will be down in a minute, and will tell you
ladies what clothing to get ready. For my part I'll be jolly glad if we
do have to take to the boats, where we shall be nice and comfy, instead
of rolling about in this beastly way--I'll be sea-sick in another ten
minutes. Old Bruce says he felt sick an hour ago. Come on, steward."

The assumed cheerfulness of his manner produced a good effect, and even
old Miss Weidermann plucked up heart a little as she saw him
nonchalantly light a cigar as he disappeared with the steward below into
the lazzarette.

On deck Robertson and the mate were talking in low tones, as they
assisted the second mate with the boats. There was now nearly three feet
of water in the hold, and every one knew that the barque could not keep
afloat much longer. Fortunately the violence of the wind had decreased
somewhat, though there was still a mountainous sea.

Both the old mate and the captain knew that the two small quarter boats
would be dangerously overladen, and their unspoken fears were shared by
the rest of the officers and crew. But another hour would perhaps make a
great difference; and then as the two men were speaking a savage sea
smote the _Tucopia_ on the starboard bow, with such violence that she
trembled in every timber, and as she staggered under the shock and then
rolled heavily to windward, she dipped the starboard quarter boat under
the water; it filled, and as she rose again, boat and davits went away
together.

Robertson groaned and looked at the mate.

"It is God's will, sir," said the old Scotsman quietly.

Robertson nodded. "Tell Allen and the others to come here," he said.

The Tynesider, followed by Captain Burr, Otway, and the carpenter, came.

"Mr. Allen," said the captain, "you are the best man in such an
emerge