"Shout to them; I can't," said the Prodigal.
I tried to shout, but my voice came as a whisper. The Halfbreed, too, tried to shout. There was scarcely any sound to it. The men did not see us as we lay on that shingly bar. Faster and faster they came. In hopeless, helpless woe we watched them. We could do nothing. In a few moments they would be past. With eyes of terror we followed them, tried to make signals to them. O God, help us!
Suddenly they caught sight of that crazy boat of ours made of canvas and willows. They poled the raft in close, then one of them saw those three strange things writhing impotently on the sand. They were skeletons, they were in rags, they were covered with vermin.—* * * *
We were saved; thank God, we were saved!
CHAPTER XVII
"Berna, we must get married."
"Yes, dearest, whenever you wish."
"Well, to-morrow."
She smiled radiantly; then her face grew very serious.