ncy as this. You handle a boat better than any man I know. There
is now only one boat left, and you must take charge of her. You will
have to take a big lot of people--the four women, the parson, the old
French priest, Mr. Otway, Captain Burr, the carpenter, and the five
men."

"I guess I'll stand out, and stick to the ship," said Burr in a lazy,
drawling manner, "I don't like bein' crowded up with a lot of wimmen."

"Neither do I, said Otway.

"Same here, captain," said the carpenter, a little grizzled man of
sixty.

Robertson shook hands with each of them in turn. "I knew you were
_men_," he said simply. "Come below and let's have a drink together, and
then see to the boat."

"What's all this, skipper?" said Allen, with an oath, "d'ye think I'm
going to save my carcase and let you men drown? I'll see you all damned
first!"

"You'll obey orders," growled the captain, "and my orders are that you
take charge of that boat. And don't give me any lip. You are a married
man and have children. None of us who are standing by the ship are
married men. By God, my joker, if you don't know your duty, I'll teach
you. Are you going to let these four women go adrift in a boat to perish
when you can save them?"

Allen looked the captain squarely in the face and then put out his hand.

"I understand you, sir. But I don't like doing it. The ship won't keep
afloat another hour. But, as you say, I've a wife and kids to consider."

* * * * *

Followed by the others, Robertson went below, and told his passengers to
get ready for the boat. The old French priest, exhausted by his labour
at the pumps, was still lying on the transom cushions, sleeping; the
Rev. Lacy was seated at the table smoking his pipe (all the ladies were
in their state-rooms). He rose as the men entered, and looked at them
inquiringly.

"We're in a bit of a tight place," said the captain, as he coolly
poured out half a tumblerful of brandy, "but I'm sending you, Mr. Lacy,
and Father Roget, and the ladies away with Mr. Allen in one of the
boats. Allen is a man whom I rely upon. He'll bring you ashore safely.
He's a bit rough in his talk, but he's one of God's own chosen in a
boat, and a fine sailor man--better than the mate, Captain Burr, or
myself; isn't that so, Mr. Bruce?"

The white-haired old mate bent his head in acknowledgment. Then he stood
up stiff and stark, his rough bony hands clasped upon his chest.

"I'll no' de