Unassisted he could do little with the heavy helm. Barbara
saw that he alone of all the officers and men of the brigantine
was making an attempt to save the vessel. However futile the
effort might be, it at least bespoke the coolness and courage
of the man. With the sight of him there wrestling with death
in a hopeless struggle a little wave of pride surged through the
girl. Here indeed was a man! And he loved her--that she
knew. Whether or no she returned his love her place was
beside him now, to give what encouragement and physical aid
lay in her power.
Quickly she ran to the wheelhouse. Theriere saw her and
smiled.
"There's no hope, I'm afraid," he said; "but, by George, I
intend to go down fighting, and not like those miserable
yellow curs."
Barbara did not reply, but she grasped the spokes of the
heavy wheel and tugged as he tugged. Theriere made no effort
to dissuade her from the strenuous labor--every ounce of
weight would help so much, and the man had a wild, mad
idea that he was attempting to put into effect.
"What do you hope to do?" asked the girl. "Make that
opening in the cliffs?"
Theriere nodded.
"Do you think me crazy?" he asked.
"It is such a chance as only a brave man would dare to
take," she replied.
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