any who may be swimming or clinging to spars, they will not suspect
that there is anyone under this. We may not succeed; an accident
may betray us, but there is a possibility. At anyrate, dear, we
shall live or die together."

"I am content," Jeanne said quietly.

"You know, Jeanne," Harry said, putting his hands on the girl's
shoulders, "that I love you; I should never have told you so until
I got you home if it hadn't been for this; but though I have never
said it, you know I love you."

"I know, Harry, and I love you too with all my heart; so much that
I can feel almost happy that we are going to die together. We are
affianced now, dear, come what will." And she lifted her face to
his.

He gave her one long kiss, then there was a crash. Impatient at
the length of time the vessels were in sinking, those ashore had
opened fire with cannons upon them, and the shot had struck the
lugger just above the water.

With a little cry Virginie fell senseless on the deck.

"That's the best thing that could have happened," Harry said as
Jeanne stooped over her sister. "Lie down on the deck, dear, or
you may be struck; they are firing with muskets now. I am going to
lie down too," he said in answer to her look, "but I shall first
twist this cord round Virginie so as to keep her arms by her side,
otherwise when the water touches her she may come to her senses