"When the Proserpine sank, we was on her port quarter, aboard the cutter, was me and my messmate Tom Welch.
"We saw two auger-holes in her stern, about two inches diameter.
"Them two holes was made from within, for the splinters showed outside.
"She was a good ship, and met with no stress of weather to speak of, on that voyage.
"Joe Wylie scuttled her and destroyed her people.
"D—n his eyes!"
Mr. Hazel was shocked at this finale; but he knew what sailors are, and how little meaning there is in their set phrases. However, as a clergyman, he could not allow these to be Cooper's last words; so he said earnestly, "Yes, but, my poor fellow, you said you forgave all your enemies. We all need forgiveness, you know."
"That is true, sir."
"And you forgive this Wylie, do you not?"
"Oh, Lord, yes," said Cooper, faintly. "I forgive the lubber; d—n him!"