218 
LOSS OF THE MAGPIE. 
nature had given them pushed to its utmost, yet were they 
msufficient in power to succeed. Their object was to use two 
of those thwarts as paddles, and to edge down at an angle 
from the course of the brig ; so that they would, if they did 
not reach her, at any rate pass so near as to be certain of be- 
mg seen. This last was a sad disappointment ; but, sailor- 
like, they would not despair while hope was in sight. They 
endeavored by heeling the boat on one side, to propel her by 
their hands. But they were soon worn out with fatigue, and 
obliged to relinquish the attempt ; for, independently of the 
impossibility of success in such an undertaking, they lost the 
better opportunity of being seen from the vessel. 
It was after a long deep sigh from the man in the stern- 
sheets, and after wiping away a stream of tears as he looked 
at the vessel, then about two miles and a half distant, that he 
broke into a loud lamentation on the utter hopelessness of 
their condition if they were not seen. In vain they declared 
that the brig had purposely altered her course to avoid them — 
in vain they pointed to a man going aloft, whom they could 
distinctly see — and in vain they waved their jackets, and as- 
sisted the signal with speech. The time was slipping away, 
and if once they got abaft the beam of the brig, every second 
would lessen the chance of being seen; beside, the sea-breeze 
might come down, and then she would be far away, and be- 
3^ond all hope in a quarter of an hour. Now it was that the 
man who had been so loudly lamenting his fate, seemed sud- 
denly inspired with fresh hope and courage ; he looked atten- 
tively at the brig, then at his companion, and said — " By hea- 
ven, I'll do it, or we are lost !" 
" Do what ?" said his shipmate. 
" Though," said the first manj^ " it is no trifle to do, after 
what we have seen and known, yet I will try ; for if she passes 
us, what can we do ? I tell 3^ou, Jack, I'll swim to her. If I 
get safe to her, you are saved ; if not, I shall die without add- 
ing, perhaps, murder to my crimes." 
" What ! jump overboard, and leave me all alone !" replied 
his companion : " look, look at that shark, which has followed 
us all night — vAij it is only waiting for you to get in the 
water to swallow you, as it did perhaps half of our mess- 
mates — no, no — wait, do wait, perhaps another vessel may 
come ; beside, I can't swim half the distance, and I should 
Tom — only think of the 
be afraid to remain behind : thi 
sharks, and of last night." 
This appeal staggered the determination of the gallant fel- 
low. There, about twenty yards from the boat, was the fin of 
