"I have a pencil," said Helen, earnestly; then, tearfully, "Oh, dear! it is to make his will." She opened her prayer-book, which had two blank leaves under each cover.
The dying man saw them, and rose into that remarkable energy which sometimes precedes the departure of the soul.
"Write!" said he in his deep, full tones.
"I, Samuel Cooper, able seaman, am going to slip my cable, and sail into the presence of my Maker."
He waited till this was written.
"And so I speak the truth.
"The ship Proserpine was destroyed willful.
"The men had more allowance than they signed for.
"The mate was always plying the captain with liquor.
"Two days before ever the ship leaked, the mate got the long-boat ready.