From
the Demeter ship's log4 August Still fog, which the sunrise
cannot pierce, I know there is sunrise because I am a sailor, why else I know
not. I dared not go below, I dared not leave the helm, so here all night I stayed,
and in the dimness of the night I saw it, Him! God, forgive me, but the mate was
right to jump overboard. It was better to die like a man. To die like a sailor
in blue water, no man can object. But I am captain, and I must not leave
my ship. But I shall baffle this fiend or monster, for I shall tie my hands to
the wheel when my strength begins to fail, and along with them I shall tie that
which He, It, dare not touch. And then, come good wind or foul, I shall save my
soul, and my honour as a captain. I am growing weaker, and the night is coming
on. If He can look me in the face again, I may not have time to act. . . If we
are wrecked, mayhap this bottle may be found, and those who find it may understand.
If not . . . well, then all men shall know that I have been true to my trust.
God and the Blessed Virgin and the Saints help a poor ignorant soul trying to
do his duty . . . |
