Our life is given us as a blank;
Ourselves must make it blest or curst.
A man came running along and clutched at Luke’s arm.
“Captain wants you, sir, immediate!” he cried.
“All right,” answered Luke. “Here, take this lady and put her into a boat.”
Mrs. Ingham-Baker was clinging to him.
“Luke,” she said firmly, “you must provide us with a lifeboat--a safe one. I will not stand this neglect.”
“Here!” cried Luke to the man. “Take her away.”
“You come along o’ me, marm,” said the man, with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll pervide ye with a lifeboat, bless yer heart!”
And in the dim light of the saloon stairhead lamp, Luke and Agatha were left facing each other.
“Why did you not let me know you were coming?” he asked sharply. He looked round with haggard eyes; they were quite alone.