"The boat is already overladen. I must warn you that to take more aboard
is not safe."

Thereon the passengers awoke from their stupor.

"Push her off," cried a voice; "she must take her chance." And there was
a murmur of approval at the dreadful words.

"For Christ's sake--for Christ's sake!" wailed the drowning woman, who
clung desperately to Robert's hand.

"If you try to pull her in, we will throw you overboard," said the voice
again, and a knife was lifted as though to hack at his arm. Then the
officer spoke once more.

"This lady cannot come into the boat unless someone goes out of it. I
would myself, but it is my duty to stay. Is there any man here who will
make place for her?"

But all the men there--seven of them, besides the crew--hung their heads
and were silent.

"Give way," said the officer in the same heavy voice; "she will drop off
presently."

While the words passed his lips Robert seemed to live a year. Here was
an opportunity of atonement for his idle and luxurious life. An hour ago
he would have taken it gladly, but now--now, with Benita senseless on
his breast, and that answer still locked in her sleeping heart? Yet