itty.

"But there is a great deal in heaven and earth that is not 'dreamt of in
our philosophy,'" Joyce repeated.

"Oh, my poor Jack!--Go, Joyce, and ask what is happening, now! I cannot
bear this stillness." For a sudden hush seemed to have fallen on the
company on deck.

At that moment, a distant cheer came from over the water. It was taken
up by those watching from the ship and loud "Hurrahs!" sounded again and
again.

"Oh, thank God!--he must be safe!" cried Joyce.

Kitty seemed to crumple up as she burst into a passion of tears.

Neither she nor Joyce had any idea that the rescue of Jack Darling was a
touch and go. He had gone overboard confident of being able to keep
afloat till he was picked up, and willing to accept his fate if it
worked out otherwise. Having, in his despair, become temporarily insane,
he was hardly accountable for his actions till his immersion in the
waves brought him rudely to his senses. After coming to the surface, he
looked about for the steamer, and was astounded to see it already so far
away that it seemed to him impossible for a boat's crew to descry him in
that heaving expanse of ocean. To add to his dismay, the vessel seemed
to steam on as though determined to leave him to his fate.

The prospect was horrible!

In a flash, he saw himself swimming till exhausted and a prey to sharks.
Life became all at once very dear. Whether with, or without Kitty, it
would be better to live, than to die this slow and lonely death! He had
been nothing but a damned idiot to have allowed himself to be dragged
into such a dangerous piece of melodrama, and all for nothing! With a
little patience and perseverance he might have gained his end without
all this miserable fuss! No abuse was strong enough for his folly.

At that moment he espied the life-buoy, which he was fearing he would
never find, and eagerly scrambled into it. Ah, that was better! Though
he could swim like a fish, there was no doubt about it that he was
grateful for support in the restless waters. Sometimes he was on the top
of a wave where he was able to see the far distant ship; then, with a
smart buffeting, he would find himself at the bottom of a trough with,
what looked like green mountains of water threatening to engulf him.

It was an immense relief to his mind when it became apparent that the
vessel was steaming back on her course, and the sight of the boat being
lowered gave him new life and confidence.

But before it