two. But the
skipper did not; he understood pretty well, or thought he did, the
position of affairs on board the _Flying Cloud_; and he knew to an
absolute certainty that so long as Ned had life and strength to protect
her Sibylla was reasonably secure. But Ned, he repeated to himself,
would always have her safety and well-being upon his mind in addition to
his other cares and anxieties. It was a miserable plight for both of
them, he mused, and he didn't see how they were to get out of it--
unless, indeed, they could manage to steal away in a boat and give the
ship the slip some fine dark night. And what would become of them then?
he asked himself. What chance of ultimate escape would they have? He
knew Ned well enough to feel assured he would never attempt so extreme a
step without first making the fullest possible provision for the safety
of his companion and himself; but when all was done, what prospect would
they have of being picked up in those lonely seas? He pictured them to
himself drifting helplessly hither and thither, exposed to the scorching
rays of the sun all day and the pelting rain at night; their provisions
consumed, their water-breaker empty, and hope slowly giving way to
despair as day and night succeeded each other, with no friendly sail to
cheer their failing sight and drive away the horrible visions which
haunt those who are perishing of hunger and thirst. He saw Ned's
stalwart form grow gaunt and lean, and Sibylla's rounded outlines
sharpen and waste away under the fierce fires of hunger; and his soul
sickened within him as their moans of anguish smote upon his ear. And
at last he heard Sibylla, in her agony and despair, entreat Ned to take
away the life which had become a burden to her. And he saw and heard
too how Ned, his speech thick and inarticulate with torturing thirst,
first tried unavailingly to soothe and comfort and encourage the
suffering girl; and how at last, in sheer pity for her and mad
desperation at their helpless state, the lad drew forth his knife and
stealthily tested the keenness of its edge and point. And as he
watched, with feverish interest yet unspeakable anxiety and horror, he
saw that the long-protracted suffering of himself and his companion had
at last proved too much for the poor lad and that his brain was giving
way; for look! the baleful light of madness gleams in his bloodshot
eyes! Madness gives new strength to his nerveless limbs as he rises and
bend