"You can do as you please. I am not going to let myself be
frightened by all those threats. I also mean to do as I please."

"You shall not say so long!" and his whole frame shook with passion.
"I am not the man to let my whole life be spoiled by a stubborn
wench like you! You are in my power here, remember, and may be made
to do my bidding."

She could not repress a start, but her eyes flashed bravely on him.

"You may kill me if you dare," she said slowly.

"I do nothing by halves," he said, and his voice sounded choked and
hoarse. "There is room for us both in the sea. I cannot help thee,
child"--he spoke the last words dreamily, almost pitifully--"but we
must both go down together--both at once--and now!" he shouted, and
snatched her in his arms. But at the same moment he drew back his
right hand; the blood gushed out; she had bitten him fiercely.

"Ha! can I be made to do your bidding?" she cried, and thrust him
from her, with one sudden movement; "am I here in your power?" and
she leaped into the sea, and sank.

She rose again directly; her scanty skirts clung close; her long
hair, loosened by the waves, hung heavy about her neck. She struck
out valiantly, and, without uttering a sound, she began to swim
steadily from the boat toward the shore.

With senses benumbed by sudden terror, he stood, with outstretched