SIR SETON-KARR GAVE UP LIFE FOR STRANGER
M. D. A. Darling, of Shanghai, was saved by the life-belt that might have saved Sir Henry Seton-Karr. Darling said:
“My cabin was opposite Sir Henry’s, and when I opened my door he opened his, and we bumped into each other in the passageway. He had a life-belt in his hand and I was empty-handed. Sir Henry offered me the life-belt and I refused it.
“He said, ‘Go on, man, take it or I will try to get another man.’ I told him to rush out himself and save his own life while I looked after myself.
“Sir Henry then got angry and actually forced the life-belt over me. Then he pushed me along the corridor. I never saw him after that. He went back to his cabin, and I believe he never came out again, because the ship disappeared a few minutes later.
“I owe the fact that I am alive to Sir Henry, and, while I believe he lost his life because he wanted to give me the life-belt, I am certain that he would have given it to some one else.”