LAD PULLED INTO LIFE-BOAT.
The lad was pulled into the already crowded lifeboat exhausted. With a weak, faint smile, Mrs. Brown said, the lad collapsed.
Women, who were not rowing or assisting in maneuvering the boat, by vigorous rubbing soon brought Thayer to consciousness and shared part of their scanty attire to keep him from dying from exposure. In the meantime the boat bobbed about on the waves like a top, frequently striking cakes of ice.
Mrs. Brown said for several hours more they battled with the sea before help arrived.
“It was a blessed sight when all saw the Carpathia heading in our din,” she declared. “We had hopes that a ship would come to our rescue and all on board prayed for safe deliverance.
“No one can realize our feeling of gratitude when the Carpathia hoved into sight. With increased energy the men, aided by the women, pulled on the oars. We were soon taken aboard. Young Thayer was hurried into the hospital on board the boat and was given stimulants and revived.
“Three survivors died soon after; they were buried at sea. Mrs. Brown said that Mrs. John Jacob Astor, the wife of Colonel John Jacob Astor, who proved himself a hero, was also an occupant of her boat.
“Mrs. Astor was frantic when she learned that her husband had gone with the Titanic, but between sobs said he died a hero,” Mrs. Brown said.
“The colonel kissed her and pushing his bride to the side of the ship told her to hurry to the lifeboats awaiting below.
“Mrs. Astor refused to listen to her husband’s entreaties until he assured her that he would follow on the next boat, although all the time he knew that he would sink.”
“The following horrors have never left me, day or night,” Mrs. Brown continued.