"Fie, Jack," says I, "'tis an idle superstition."
"Nay," says he, "I am convinced 'tis the truth. Not one of us here but would have been the happier had I died a dozen years ago. 'Tis all through me that we drown to-night."
"Nay, 'tis a blessing that we die all together, and none left to mourn."
"That may be for you and me who have lived the best years of our life, but for those in there but just tasting the sweets of life, with years of joy unspent, 'tis another matter."
Then we were silent for a while, till feeling the water laving my feet, I asked if we should not now tell Mr. Godwin of our condition.
"'Twas in my mind, Kit," answers he; "I will send him out to you."
He went into the cabin, and Mr. Godwin coming out, I showed him our state. But 'twas no surprise to him. Only, it being now about three in the morning, and the moon risen fair and full in the heavens, he casts his eyes along the silver path on the water in the hope of rescue, and finding none, he grasps my hand and says:
"God's will be done! 'Tis a mercy that my dear love is spared this last terror. Our pain will not be long."
A shaft of moonlight entered the cabin, and there we perceived Dawson kneeling by the crib, with his head laid upon the pillow beside his daughter.
He rose and came out without again turning to look on Moll, and Mr. Godwin took his place.