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influence of that brave man in one way or another。 Not one but had heard
him； over and over again； give the credit to others which was due only to
himself； praising this man for patience； and thanking that man for help；
when the patience and the help had really and truly； as to the best part of
both； come only from him。 All this； and much more； I heard pouring
confusedly from the men's lips while they crouched down； sobbing and
crying over their commander； and wrapping the jacket as warmly and
tenderly as they could over is cold feet。 It went to my heart to check them；
but I knew that if this lamenting spirit spread any further； all chance of
keeping alight any last sparks of hope and resolution among the boat's
company would be lost for ever。 Accordingly I sent them to their places；
spoke a few encouraging words to the men forward； promising to serve
out； when the morning came； as much as I dared； of any eatable thing left
in the lockers； called to Rames； in my old boat； to keep as near us as he
safely could； drew the garments and coverings of the two poor suffering
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THE WRECK OF THE GOLDEN MARY
women more closely about them； and； with a secret prayer to be directed
for the best in bearing the awful responsibility now laid on my shoulders；
took my Captain's vacant place at the helm of the Long…boat。
This； as well as I can tell it； is the full and true account of how I came
to be placed in charge of the lost passengers and crew of the Golden Mary；
on the morning of the twenty…seventh day after the ship struck the Iceberg；
and foundered at sea。
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