Coming back, he said to Hunting, "Fasten that one on Miss Morton and keep the other." Throwing down his own for a moment, he proceeded to fasten Annie's. He would not trust the demoralized Hunting to do anything for her, and he was right, for Hunting's hands so trembled that he was helpless. Having seen that Annie's was secured beyond a doubt, Gregory also tied on Miss Eulie's.
In the meantime a passenger snatched his own preserving-belt, which he had been trying to keep by placing his foot upon it.
"Stop," Annie cried. "O Mr. Gregory! he has taken it and you have none.
You shall have mine;" and she was about to unfasten it.
He laid a strong grasp upon her hands. "Stop such folly," he said, sternly. "Come to where they are launching that boat. You have no choice;" and he forced her forward while Hunting followed with Miss Eulie.
They stood waiting where the lantern's glare fell upon their faces, with many others more pale and agonized.
Annie clung to him as her only hope (for Hunting seemed almost paralyzed with fear), and whispered, "Will you the same as die for me again?"
"Yes, God bless you! a thousand times if there were need," he said, in tones whose gentleness equalled the harshness of his former words.
She looked at him wonderingly. There was no fear upon his face, only unspeakable love for her.
"Are you not afraid?" she asked.
"You said I was a Christian to-day, and your Bible and God's voice in my heart have confirmed your words. No, I am at peace in all this uproar, save anxiety for you."