, but what God knows
to be right and best; that's it, marm."

Poor Mrs Morley opened her eyes. "Thank you," she faintly said. "You
speak kindly. I know all is for the best."

Mrs Twopenny and the other married women in the boat, having their
husbands with them, were more inclined to think about themselves than
those they had left in the hapless ship. The crew were not idle, for
they had plenty to do in bailing the boat and tending the sails. Harry
saw the necessity, in order to prevent the boat from being swamped, of
carrying as much sail as she could bear; and even then, as he cast his
eye astern, he dreaded lest any of the foaming seas which came rolling
up might break on board. Could he have kept her head to the seas she
might have been safer, but the danger of heaving her to was so great
that he dared not attempt it; and, under present circumstances, he
judged it more prudent to run before the gale. All he could hope,
therefore, was that the wind might moderate again as rapidly as it had
risen. His next care was to make some arrangement for the accommodation
of the poor women. He called Dr Davis aft, and consulted him about the
matter. It was agreed that an awning should be rigged in the centre
part of the boat, over an oar a little higher than the gunwale, so as to
leave room for the crew to pass on either side; and though this would
afford them but a very narrow space, still they would be sheltered from
the cold and rain and spray. Fortunately, a spare sail had been thrown
into the boat, which would serve for this purpose; there were also
several planks and small spars which had not been thrown out of her when
she was lowered; and these spread out would serve as a flooring to keep
them out of the wet. Among other things was a roll of blankets and
several cloaks. These, spread out, would serve for beds. The crew
gladly gave up all claim they might have on them for the sake of the
poor women.

Several hours passed; and though the wind and sea had slightly gone
down, no other change had occurred.

"Now, marm," said Mrs Rumbelow, as soon as the awning was prepared; "we
must take possession of our house. It is not a very grand one, but
we're thankful to those who built it for us."

"Oh, my husband! my husband!" was the only answer poor Mrs Morley could
make.

"I have a husband, too, marm," said Mrs Rumbelow. "The sergeant and I,
though old folks, love each other as much as any young folks can do.