Joel wrote in the log that night, with Priscilla beside him, her fingers in his hair. Priscilla had been very humble, till Joel took her in his arms and comforted her....
He set down the ship’s position; he recorded their capture, that day, of a great bull cachalot; and then:
“... This day Mark Shore was buried at sea. He died late last night, from wounds received when he fought valiantly to put down the mutiny of the crew. Fourth brother of the House of Shore....”
And below, the ancient and enduring epitaph:
| “‘All the brothers were valiant.’” |
Priscilla, reading over his shoulder, pointed to this line and whispered sorrowfully: “But I—called you coward, Joel.” He looked up at her, and smiled a little. “I know better now,” she said. “So—give me the pen ... And close your eyes....”
He heard the scratch of steel on paper; and when he opened his eyes again he saw that Priscilla had underscored, with three deep strokes, the first word of that honorable line.
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