Amidst the thrilling sensations of the moment Iris found herself idly speculating as to the meaning of _beche-de-mer_, and why this common sailor pronounced French so well.

Her thoughts reverted to the steamer.
"It surely cannot be possible that the _Sirdar_ has gone to pieces--a magnificent vessel of her size and strength ?" He answered quietly--"It is too true, madam.

I suppose you hardly knew she struck, it happened so suddenly.

Afterwards, fortunately for you, you were unconscious." "How do you know ?" she inquired quickly.

A flood of vivid recollection was pouring in upon her.
"I--er--well, I happened to be near you, madam, when the ship broke up, and we--er--drifted ashore together." She rose and faced him.