But the weakness of the voice gave the lie to the brave words.
Of the castaways, Jack seemed to be the strongest. Whether it was due to his indomitable spirit or his wonderful endurance, he certainly bore up better than the others.
Rising slowly and somewhat unsteadily to his feet, he peered round the shining horizon; then, dipping a pannikin over the side, he began pouring the refreshing liquid over the three prone forms—first soaking Jim and Broncho as they lay together amidships, and then crawling forward and performing the like service on Tari.
"T'ank you, my pleni" whispered the tender-hearted Marquesan, pressing his cracked lips to the rover's hand.
Jack's eyes grew very bright at the warm proof of affection.
"Tiakapo, Tari," he said softly in the Gilbert dialect, gripping the Kanaka's brown fist.
He did not like to say goodbye, but he felt that this was the last time his strength would allow him to come forward.
"Moee-moee ariana!" ("Go to sleep by-and-by!"), said Tari meaningly in Tahitian, and then very softly he muttered the Samoan goodbye, "To fa!"
The sun set in a blaze of colour, and darkness rushed upon them. Soon the lamps of heaven began to sparkle forth in all their brilliancy, and Jove's great binnacle-light, the silver moon, appeared above the horizon.
With the exception of poor Jim, who babbled hoarsely with but small intervals of silence, the occupants of the boat lay motionless, quiet and still, breathing with difficulty through their blackened, dried-up throats.