PEER. I’ll strike! THE COOK. So’ll I! PEER. I’ll crush you down with kicks and blows! Let go your hold! She won’t float two! THE COOK. I know it! Yield! PEER. Yield you! THE COOK. Oh yes! [_They fight; one of the Cook’s hands is disabled; he clings on with the other._ PEER. Off with that hand! THE COOK. Oh, kind sir—spare! Think of my little ones at home PEER. I need my life far more than you, For I am lone and childless still. THE COOK. Let go! You’ve lived, and I am young! PEER. Quick; haste you; sink;—you drag us down. THE COOK. Have mercy! Yield in heaven’s name! There’s none to miss and mourn for you— [_His hand slips; he screams._ I’m drowning! PEER. [_Seizing him._] By this wisp of hair I’ll hold you; say your Lord’s Prayer, quick! THE COOK. I can’t remember; all turns black—— PEER. Come, the essentials in a word——! THE COOK. Give us this day——! PEER. Skip that part, Cook; You’ll get all _you_ need, safe enough. THE COOK. Give us this day—— PEER. The same old song! ’Tis plain you were a cook in life—— [_The COOK slips from his grasp._ THE COOK. [_Sinking._] Give us this day our—— [_Disappears._ PEER. Amen, lad! To the last gasp you were yourself.— [_Draws himself up on to the bottom of the boat._ So long as there is life there’s hope—— THE STRANGE PASSENGER. [_Catches hold of the boat._] Good morning! PEER. Hoy! THE PASSENGER. I heard you shout.— It’s pleasant finding you again. Well? So my prophecy came true! PEER. Let go! Let go! ’Twill scarce float _one_! THE PASSENGER.