As they approached, they saw an excited crowd, pushing their way through near the boat.
They met the mate on the gang-plank keeping the people back.
"What's the matter ?" demanded the Captain.
The mate explained that there had been a fight on the levee, and that big Tom had been stabbed, he feared fatally.

Paul rushed into the cabin where his friend lay helpless and gasping.
"Tom, Tom!" he wailed.
"Ah! Paul, my boy," faintly responded Tom, "I fear I'm about to slip my cable.

I want you lo help me say a few prayers.

Just ask the good Lord not to be hard on me.

I've been rough and careless all my life, but I never meant to be really bad.