"A piece of nice steak. You wouldn't mind its being cooked, would you?"
"Steak!—something to eat! Oh, Jube, we shall never eat again!"
"Look here, little master, now be still and hear what I say."
The boy made a struggle to collect his faculties.
"Little master, listen: when you find me lying here in the boat, and you can't feel my heart beat when you lay your hand here, just cut a slice out of my shoulder with the jackknife."
The boy closed his eyes, shuddering.
"It won't be very hard eating."
The slave was feeling for the knife as he tempted the famished child, who lay moaning across his knee. He found it at last; but his gaunt hands opened it with difficulty, for their strength was all gone.
The poor fellow felt for the spot where his heart beat strongest. Then he spoke to the child again.
"The knife will be open, little master, don't forget what I tell you."