"Then we all drown, Evasinha," said her stepfather. "It is
impossible."

"We're too many for her as it is," said the captain. "So for'ard
with ye, Mr. Cole, before it's too late."

But my darling's brave word for me had fired my blood, and I turned
with equal resolution on Harris and on the Portuguese. "I will go
like a lamb," said I, "if you will first give me five minutes'
conversation with Miss Denison. Otherwise I do not go; and as for
the gig, you may take me or leave me, as you choose."

"What have you to say to her?" asked Santos, coming up to me, and
again lowering his voice.

I lowered mine still more. "That I love her!" I answered in a soft
ecstasy. "That she may remember how I loved her, if I die!"

His shoulders shrugged a cynical acquiescence.

"By all mins, senhor; there is no harm in that."

I was at her side before another word could pass his withered lips.

"Miss Denison, will you grant me five minutes', conversation? It
may be the last that we shall ever have together!"

Uncovering her face, she looked at me with a strange terror in her
great eyes; then with a questioning light that was yet more strange,