He whispered: "My God,--ain't we--you don't mean to say there is a chance we won't be able to--" But Percival had turned away with the two women.

Mrs.Spofford took his arm, leaning heavily against him.

Her figure had straightened, however.
He had given her the needed confidence.
They made their way up the steps leading to the topmost deck.

Others had already preceded them.

A dozen men and women were looking out over the sea through their binoculars.