nature. When it is a question of life, it is every one for himself, for
life is sweet: they are not more unkind than they would be to each
other, if there were too many for the boat to hold. I've seen all this
before in my time," replied Ready, gravely.

"My wife! my children!" cried Mr. Seagrave, covering his face with his
hands. "But I will speak to them," continued he after a pause; "surely
they will listen to the dictates of humanity; at all events Mr.
Mackintosh will have some power over them. Don't you think so, Ready?"

"Well, Mr. Seagrave, if I must speak, I confess to you that there is
not a harder heart among them than that of Mr. Mackintosh, and it's
useless speaking to him or any one of them; and you must not be too
severe upon them neither: the boat is small, and could not hold more
people with the provisions which they take with them - that is the
fact. If they were to take you and your family into the boat, it might
be the cause of all perishing together; if I thought otherwise I would
try what I could do to persuade them, but it is useless."

"What must be done, then, Ready?"

"We must put our trust in a merciful God, Mr. Seagrave, who will
dispose of us as he thinks fit."

"We must? What! do not you go with them?"

"No, Mr. Seagrave. I have been thinking about it this last hour, and I
have made up my mind to remain with you. They intend to take poor
Captain Osborn with them, and give him a chance, and have offered to
take me; but I shall stay here."