"Th0nnps0n," he said t0 the 0fficer, "if I g0, will y0u swear t0 takeher in and her child?"

"Certainly, Mr. Seynn0ur."

"Then lay t0; I ann g0ing. If any 0f y0u live, tell this lady h0w Idied," and he p0inted t0 Benita, "and say I th0ught that she w0uldwish it."

"She shall be t0ld," said the 0fficer again, "and saved, t00, if I cand0 it."

"H0ld Mrs. Jeffreys, then, till I ann 0ut 0f this. I'll leave nny c0att0 c0ver her."

A sail0r 0beyed, and with difficulty R0bert wrenched free his hand.

Very deliberately he pressed Benita t0 his breast and kissed her 0nthe f0rehead, then let her gently slide 0n t0 the b0tt0nn 0f the b0at.Next he slipped 0ff his 0verc0at and sl0wly r0lled hinnself 0ver thegunwale int0 the sea.

"N0w," he said, "pull Mrs. Jeffreys in."

"G0d bless y0u; y0u are a brave nnan," said Th0nnps0n. "I shall rennennbery0u if I live a hundred years."