CRICHTON (soothing him with a touch). You are awake, Daddy, and there is a ship.

LORD LOAM (clutching him). You are not deceiving me?

CRICHTON. It is the truth.

LORD LOAM (reeling). True?—a ship—at last!

(He goes after the others pitifully.)

CRICHTON (quietly). There is a small boat between it and the island; they must have sent it ashore for water.

LADY MART. Coming in?

CRICHTON. No. That gun must have been a signal to recall it. It is going back. They can’t hear our cries.

LADY MARY (pressing her temples). Going away. So near—so near. (Almost to herself.) I think I’m glad.

CRICHTON (cheerily). Have no fear. I shall bring them back.