“Indeed, madam, I fear such is the case,” said the captain with a sigh; “and I trust you will do your best to console those dear young ladies. It will break their hearts, I am afraid, for it is easy to see what affection they have for their brother.”
Emily and May were, as may be supposed, almost stricken down by grief when they were told, though as cautiously as possible by Mr Paget, of what had occurred. Not till night had arrived, and all hopes had been abandoned, could they be induced to leave the deck. They stood with their hands clasped together, looking out over the tossing sea as though they expected the boat which contained him they loved so much would appear again in sight.
Chapter Eight.
The “Ranger’s” Boats are sent away.
The pumps disabled—The women placed in boats—Younger officers and boys sent away—The Captain and Colonel remain—The Captain’s letter—Child saved by young Broke—Ship driving on launch—Escape of launch—Voyage in boats commenced—Last sight of “Ranger”—Mrs Rumbelow encourages her companions—Boats running before the gale—Mrs Morley’s grief—A cabin formed for the women—A sea breaks on board—Search for provisions—First night in the boat—Harry Shafto at the helm—The weather moderates—Impossibility of returning to the ship—Scarcity of water—The doctor manufactures a still—Various provisions discovered.
Dreary as was the night, it was happily of no long duration. Daylight again appeared; but the scene was as forlorn and threatening as that of the previous morning.
While the first-lieutenant and Harry Shafto, and some of the other officers, were engaged in examining the boats and clearing them of lumber, the purser was busily employed in collecting provisions, and separating those of various description, so that each boat might be supplied with a sufficiency, in due proportion.
“The boats will not carry a quarter of our number,” observed Harry to the first-lieutenant.