“Save me and my child!” she cried. “For God’s sake save me!”
Robert recognized the choking voice; it was that of a young married lady with whom he had been very friendly, who was going out with her baby to join her husband in Natal. He stretched out his hand and caught hold of her, whereon the officer said, heavily:
“The boat is already overladen. I must warn you that to take more aboard is not safe.”
Thereon the passengers awoke from their stupor.
“Push her off,” cried a voice; “she must take her chance.” And there was a murmur of approval at the dreadful words.
“For Christ’s sake—for Christ’s sake!” wailed the drowning woman, who clung desperately to Robert’s hand.
“If you try to pull her in, we will throw you overboard,” said the voice again, and a knife was lifted as though to hack at his arm. Then the officer spoke once more.
“This lady cannot come into the boat unless someone goes out of it. I would myself, but it is my duty to stay. Is there any man here who will make place for her?”
But all the men there—seven of them, besides the crew—hung their heads and were silent.
“Give way,” said the officer in the same heavy voice; “she will drop off presently.”