A Queer Race: The Story of a Strange People — page 69: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

66 A QUEER RACE. What my feelings were I can hardly remember, and do not care to recall. I was stunned, overwhelmed, and, as it seemed, almost paralyzed by the stupendous nature of the calamity which had overtaken me, and by bitter grief for those who were gone. But for Bolsover I think I must have gone mad. He too sorrowed, in his own fash- ion, for our lost comrades; yet his grief seemed to sit lightly on him, and in his manner there was at timies something that looked very like exultation, the cause of which I was at first at a loss todivine. Buta casual ex- pression he let drop enlightened me. Heregarded hises- cape and mine as proof that we were the destined discoy- erers of the Santa Anna. Had I been less depressed, I should have been amused, probably have laughed at him. As it was, I thought it best not to answer him. You cannot argue witha mono- maniac. But on every other point, the boatswain, as usual, was evidently sane and practical. — ‘There is only you and me now,” he said, ‘‘and we ean neither handle the ship nor navigate her; but we can do our best. ‘T'here is no more sail on her than will give her steering way in a light breeze, and if it comes on to blow we shall may be not take much harm. You can steer pretty well now, and we must take the wheel turn and turn about.” “That is all very fine; but where shall we make for?” “* Well, I don’t think as we can do better than stick to the course we are on, and as Mr. Bucklow last laid down —sou’-west by south—as far as the wind will let us.” ‘Will that bring us to Montevideo?” “J don’t think it will, exactly; but there or there- abouts, perhaps.” ‘‘ Have you any idea where we are?” ‘Not within a degree or two; but, from the feel, we should not be far from the line.” ‘Rather vague; but it is hot enough for anything, if that is what you mean. However, about this steering. It can easily be arranged as you suggest. While one steers the other can cook, and sleep, and keep a lookout. Our best chance of rescue is to attract the attention of some passing vessel. Can we do anything more than re- verse the Union Jack?” Gom G JOO SH (E(0)