And, anyhow, if I had stuck to the ship I would have done my best to be saved.

Men have been known to float for hours--in the open sea--and be picked up not much the worse for it.

I might have lasted it out better than many others.
There's nothing the matter with my heart." He withdrew his right fist from his pocket, and the blow he struck on his chest resounded like a muffled detonation in the night.
'"No," I said.

He meditated, with his legs slightly apart and his chin sunk.

"A hair's-breadth," he muttered.