"O mother, mother! I ought to have been more patient," she moaned as
they led her away; "but I will try and make amends by my goodness to
baby."

"Yes, that's right," said Mrs. Ruttger, wiping her eyes. "We kain't none
of us help what's passed atween us an' the dead, but it oughter make us
better to the livin'. Not thet I blame you, Sairay; some folks, even
good ones, is dretful tryin' at times; but I know jest haow you feel,
fur I've been thar myself."

There is among these honest fisherfolk a strong feeling of communism,
which shows itself in the kindliest ways. They may be close-fisted,
hard-headed, and sharp-tongued with each other when well and
prosperous; but let poverty, wreck, illness, or death overtake one of
their number, and the "nighest" of them at a bargain will open heart and
purse with an astonishing generosity.

Sara found all responsibility taken out of her hands. In fact, Miss
Prue, finding her standing in the midst of her room with her hand
pressed to her head, gazing bewilderedly about, and asking softly,
"Where am I?" took her vigorously in hand, and soon had her in bed,
where, exhausted as she was, she slept for hours without dreams or
movement,--a sleep which doubtless saved her an illness, and brought her
strong young body into excellent condition once more.

Through all this Sara longed inexpressibly for her father, but knew it
was hopeless wishing.

All she could do was to intrust the news to a fishing-smack which was