"John," she said, "you shouldn't sit on the wet sand like that. You will get a chill. Let me help you to get up."
I looked at Clara and at Croyden.
"How has this happened?" I asked. "Tell me."
"We were on the same ship," Croyden said. "There came a great storm. Even the Captain had never seen——"
"I know," I interrupted, "so had ours."
"The ship struck a rock, and blew out her four funnels——"
"Ours did too," I nodded.
"The bowsprit was broken, and the steward's pantry was carried away. The Captain gave orders to leave the ship——"
"It is enough, Croyden," I said, "I see it all now. You were left behind when the boats cleared, by what accident you don't know——"
"I don't," said Croyden.