‘My life for theirs, O God!’ he cried.
He was not a man given to many prayers, but he believed his cry would be heard.
Edgar looked ahead. He saw the vessel heaved high upon the waves; he saw the merciless rock in front. There was not a moment to spare. He rushed into the cabin.
‘Give me Eva,’ he said. ‘You will have a better chance alone.’
The mother pressed her child to her heart and smothered her with kisses.
Edgar snatched the child away and sprang out of the cabin. At the same moment there was a terrific crash, a rending and splitting of timbers, cries and groans, shrieks for help, and strange, unearthly sounds.
Edgar, with the child firmly clasped in his arms, was hurled against the side of the vessel. He felt it give way, and as he glanced round he saw the ship shattered into a thousand pieces, and great timbers hurled high into the air. Then he felt the water rush over him, he was lifted off his feet and flung into the furious waves, with little Eva still clasped firm in his arms.
CHAPTER VII.
WHAT THE MORNING BROUGHT FORTH.
And what of the watchers on South Head? Wal Jessop’s summons had been obeyed, and a small knot of men, and one or two women, stood looking out to sea at the doomed ship.
‘What is she, Wal?’ said one man. ‘Do you know her name?’