That's all right." Then he lay down on the deck between the girls with his head against the hatch, and holding the rope.
"Put your head on my shoulder, Jeanne, and I will put my arm round you; I will hold Virginie the same way the other side.

Hold tight by me for a moment as we sink, I may have to use my arms to get the hatch over our faces.

Do not breathe while you are under the water, for we shall, no doubt, go down with the lugger, although I shall try to keep you afloat; when you are under the hatch you will find you will float with your mouth well out of the water, and will be able to breathe, the corks will keep you up." "I understand, Harry; now let us pray until the time comes." Shot after shot struck the lugger, then Harry felt her give a sudden lurch.

There was a wild cry and the next moment she went down stern first.

She was so nearly even with the water when she sank, that there was less downward suck than Harry had expected, and striking out with his feet his head was soon above the surface.