Chapter 18

The Lottery of Death




Jane Porter had been the first of those in the lifeboat to awaken
the morning after the wreck of the LADY ALICE. The other members
of the party were asleep upon the thwarts or huddled in cramped
positions in the bottom of the boat.

When the girl realized that they had become separated from the other
boats she was filled with alarm. The sense of utter loneliness
and helplessness which the vast expanse of deserted ocean aroused
in her was so depressing that, from the first, contemplation of
the future held not the slightest ray of promise for her. She was
confident that they were lost--lost beyond possibility of succor.

Presently Clayton awoke. It was several minutes before he could
gather his senses sufficiently to realize where he was, or recall
the disaster of the previous night. Finally his bewildered eyes
fell upon the girl.

"Jane!" he cried. "Thank God that we are together!"

"Look," said the girl dully, indicating the horizon with an apathetic
gesture. "We are all alone."