It is your remorse that has
driven you to make so many attempts against the only living souls who
knew and understood. If ever we get safely to land once more--and God
knows it is not likely--I give you still the chance of repairing the
mischief you have done, and of clearing my father's memory from the
cruel stain which you and only you can wipe away."
Sebastian lay long, silent once more, gazing up at her fixedly, with the
foggy, white moonlight shining upon his bright, inscrutable eyes. "You
are a brave woman, Maisie Yorke-Bannerman," he said, at last, slowly; "a
very brave woman. I will try to live--I too--for a purpose of my own. I
say it again: he that loseth his life shall gain it."
Incredible as it may sound, in half an hour more he was lying fast
asleep on that wave-tossed raft, and Hilda and I were watching him
tenderly. And it seemed to us as we watched him that a change had come
over those stern and impassive features. They had softened and melted
until his face was that of a gentler and better type. It was as if
some inward change of soul was moulding the fierce old Professor into a
nobler and more venerable man.
Day after day we drifted on, without food or water.
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