thousandth time passing Lord Meersbrook's mind, he heard a voice near him say, "She settles fast," to which the reply was, "I know it—it is over." The speakers passed on, but in about another minute, Arthur came to him and said, "I have ordered out the long-boat; it is not in very good condition, but may serve; you must be the first to descend, be in readiness, for although my men are and have been wonderfully good, it is a moment of great trial, but of course I shall guard you to the utmost."
"Arthur, you will not leave the ship, and I shall not leave you."
"Then, my lord, I command you to quit the ship; and, if you do not obey instantly, I will put you in irons and have you carried down."
"Don't talk nonsense, Arthur; this is not a moment to"
"Take care of Georgiana—tell her my last thought was for her. Give my love to the dear old people, andGo my lord, I command you, this instant."
"Avast, there! ho ship! Thetis ahoy!"
"All right!" was exclaimed by many a tongue, and, lo! two mighty ships hove near and offered themselves as asylums to the mariners about to perish; and, as the Thetis lightened to a certain degree, she recovered her buoyancy, and the fresh strong men placed at her pumps soon succeeded in
