“‘Take mine,’ he said, and without a moment’s hesitation began to unfasten it. I said I would not think of such a thing, and put out my hand to stop him.’
“What he might have said further was cut short by a sudden thrill that ran through the vessel from stem to stern.
“With all my might I flung my plank from me, and sprang after it in the water.
“Then I remember feeling a sharp blow on the head, and seeing a thousand flashing lights, and then all was blank until I awoke to consciousness, to find myself fastened firmly to the plank by the strongest of lashings—a pair of human hands and arms. I felt, too, something about my shoulders which almost without thought I knew to be a life-preserver.
“The sea was dashing violently over me, and nearly smothered as I was all the time, it was some moments before I fully comprehended the situation.
“I saw now that the arms which upheld me were those of the man whom I had spoken to just before I left the vessel.
“He was supporting himself and me, too, by means of the plank.
“‘What is the meaning of this?’ I gasped, as soon as I found my voice.
“‘You struck your head against the plank, when you came. You were floating like a dead fish. I jumped over, and brought you back to the plank.’
“‘How long have I been this way?’