His face wore an expression of strained uneasiness, and his look more and more, as the moments passed, betokened the consciousness that a struggle for life was before them.
Through the glass a knot of people could be seen gathering on the downs which ran along the coast, with their jagged formations showing out in tones of dim violet and blue.
He stood now in the companion with his wife and his child, and sighed heavily as he looked at them.
"I would gladly give the brig, and be reduced to my own two hands once more, to have last night over again, Elizabeth!" he said.
She pressed his hand with an expression of sympathy, which answered him better than words; and the next moment he was again the practical man, showing her how she might tie the child to her breast with a handkerchief.
"I can't stay with you any longer now," he said.

"I am responsible for the lives of all on board, and must do my duty by them." "Do your duty, Salve," she said.
"And so," he concluded, as, trying to conceal his emotion, he stroked her forehead and then the child's, "you must keep a good heart.

When the pinch comes I shall be at your side, and we shall win through it, you'll see." "With God's gracious help!" she answered; "remember that, Salve." He strode away then down the deck and called the crew aft to take counsel with him on the situation.

The vessel was rapidly becoming water-logged.
"Listen, my lads!" he said; "this is a serious business, as you can all very clearly see.

But if we only have stout hearts we may get out of it yet, at all events with our lives.