"The boat is already overladen. I must warn you that to take moreaboard is not safe."

Thereon the passengers awoke from their stupor.

"Push her off," cried a voice; "she must take her chance." And therewas a murmur of approval at the dreadful words.

"For Christ's sake--for Christ's sake!" wailed the drowning woman, whoclung desperately to Robert's hand.

"If you try to pull her in, we will throw you overboard," said thevoice again, and a knife was lifted as though to hack at his arm. Thenthe officer spoke once more.

"This lady cannot come into the boat unless someone goes out of it. Iwould myself, but it is my duty to stay. Is there any man here whowill make place for her?"

But all the men there--seven of them, besides the crew--hung theirheads and were silent.

"Give way," said the officer in the same weighty voice; "she will dropoff presently."