f to do so; this is much; and these unhappy women--they, like
myself, are alone, or seem to be. Should you see fit to do so, and be
willing to be so encumbered, you can return after a lapse of time; but
make no point of this, I entreat you. I think that Captain Ambrose will
observe good order and save his helpless ones first. You know he
promised this--"

There was a moment's pause, and movement of eye and hand, and then he
spoke again, very softly:

"Yes, and much more that can never be fulfilled, for already the cabin
is in flames, the companion-way is closed, and the fire in the hold is
making fearful headway. I have heard the seamen have sworn to secure the
boats; you are strong and resolute--be prepared for the very worst."
Then, speaking in his usual tone, he added: "Since the banner of Spain
passed near enough to show us the rampant lions and castles on its
crimson shield, and yet made no sign, I have had little hope of rescue
from a ship. It was ominous!"

"Not intended, then," I said, eagerly. "Oh, I am glad of this, at least,
for the honor of human nature."

"A strange consideration at such a time! You are a study to me, Miss
Harz; yours is not apathy, like mine, but true courage, even in this
death-struggle, and I will save you if I can, for you have a noble
soul!"

All further dialogue was cut short by the wild shout that rose from the
crowd, the delusive cry of "A sail, a sail!" and Dunmore rushed with the
rest to descry its myth-like form, if possible. It was some moments
before hope again died down to a flat level of despair.

Too remote for signal or trumpet was that distant, white-winged vessel
gliding securely on its path of peace, unconscious of the extremity of
the mighty steamer it distinguished dimly, no doubt, by the aid of
telescopes.

However this might have been, for the second time on that day of direst
exigency, a ship went by, observed yet unobserving.

Fainter and fainter grew the accents of the fierce, fanatical preacher;
his excitement forsook him as the danger became more and more imminent.

The crowd broke into groups. Pale, stern men, with rigid features, who
had been employed aiding in the construction of the rafts, returned now
to the sides of their wives and children.

Through a vista on the deck I discerned Miss Lamarque, sitting quietly
with her youngest nursling in her arms, beside her brother. His children
and slaves were gathered around her knees. Dunmore was giving