28Every time she heard him swallow, her heart leaped for joy, for it told her there was hope even yet.

28

She had several squares of sea-bread in her pocket, for she had saved something from every meal, and she was determined, as long as her own strength held out, that she would faithfully minister to him.

Sometimes she was very faint herself from want of food, but she would take a little water in her mouth and swallow it gradually, and thus find a relief for a time.

The fifth day there was no food to give out—and, oh, the hollow eyes, the blanched cheeks and despairing hearts of that ill-fated party!

Mr. Rosevelt was conscious, to Star’s great joy, but too weak to move hand or foot.

The sixth day the courage and strength of the crew began to fail visibly, and two of the passengers fainted from hunger and weakness.

Star felt wretchedly guilty, with food in her pocket and those hungry eyes looking so piteously into hers; but she knew there was not enough for a crumb apiece, while the life of her friend depended upon it.

Mr. Rosevelt relapsed into partial unconsciousness quite early in the morning, and she was as pale and wan as a spirit, but the look of determination never left her face. She worked over the sick man constantly, forcing food into his mouth as often as she dared, while all the day long not a morsel passed her own white lips.

Just at sunset a little white cloud was visible on the eastern horizon, then it became a line of smoke; a few minutes later sails were distinguishable, and soon the broadside of a steamer became distinct. A shout went up from the throats of the faithful crew, and with renewed courage and strength they bent every nerve to their oars.

It soon became evident that their signal of distress had been 29seen, for the steamer changed her course and came proudly plowing the waters toward the suffering band, and an hour later those starving, almost helpless ones were tenderly taken from their peril and every want kindly ministered to.

29

“What is it—where am I?” Mr. Rosevelt asked, aroused by the sound of strange voices, a vigorous rubbing, and an extra quantity of wine.

“A steamer homeward bound, and we are saved!” Star whispered 

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