His sufferings frightened Johnson, who called out:
“Master, if the water in the kegs is poison, we should let it run away.”
“It is worse than poison,” replied Holdsworth. “Pull out the bungs—the sea-water around us is as wholesome to drink as that stuff.”
Johnson then turned the kegs over and let them drain themselves empty.
After this a silence fell upon the boat which lasted a full hour, when the boy said:
“Mamma, I am thirsty. Give me something to drink.”
It was shocking to hear the child’s complaint, and feel the impossibility of satisfying him. The mother started up with a wild gesture, and cried in a fierce whisper, that was thickened in its passage through her swollen throat:
“O my God! let us both die! End our misery now.”
Holdsworth watched her mutely.
Her appeal died away, and she sank back, exhausted by the sudden outbreak.