An attempt was made to make for the shore, but the steamer ran aground. Harry made his way through the flames and came to them now, hardly looking like a human being. His hair was singed, his face black and grimy, and at first they did not recognize him or his voice, as he said, hoarsely: "There isn't a moment to lose! Jump overboard, both of you! I'm a good swimmer; I can save you!" "I have a son on board!" replied Mrs. Grey. "I cannot seek my own safety till I am sure of his! But if you will kindly take charge of this young lady--" "Don't you know me, mother?" cried Harry, impatiently. "I tell you there's not a moment to lose!" The two women kissed each other. "Good-bye, darling, darling aunty, if he doesn't save us!" "Good-bye, my precious child! Good-bye, Harry! Tell Laura--" He almost pushed them into the water, jumped in himself, bade them hold him fast, and began to strike out for the shore. The distance was greater than he supposed, and his strength began to fail; what should he do? which life should he sacrifice? Margaret's, of course, not that of Laura's mother. But Margaret was so young, it was dreadful to die young; and Mrs. Grey at best could not live many years. The conflict was painful, and so was every stroke of his arms. Neither should die, if it killed him! One more heroic stroke and we are there! No, a wave has beaten us back! With a groan of anguish he cried, "I cannot save you both! One of you must loose your hold! Which shall it be?" "_Not aunty!_" said Margaret, instantly loosing her grasp. "_Not Margaret!_" said Mrs. Grey, as instantly relinquishing hers. Harry uttered a cry of horror, and watched to see them rise; but his over-taxed frame had made its last frantic effort; he felt himself going down, down; there was a faint thought of Laura, waiting for him in her white dress, a faint sense of God waiting for him too, and then he knew no more, till he awoke, and found it was all a dream; Laura was there, very pale, but smiling; the doctor was there, and many others. "He's all right now," said the doctor, "and as soon as I've set this arm you may take him home." For reply, Laura, waking also as from a dream, cried, "Where is mamma? Where is Margaret?" "I did my best," Harry said, faintly. "This arm was broken before we took to the water." "You don't mean to tell me that you let my mother _drown_?" Laura hissed in his ear. "Indeed, madam, my patient is in no state to be excited," said the doctor. "Rejoice that Providence has given you back your husband, and only taken your mother." "_Only_ taken!" repeated Laura, almost beside herself. "Only taken my mother! Why, she was one of ten thousand! She was _every_ body's mother! And Margaret! That noble girl! And I am to rejoice, am I!" "There will be little to rejoice over if you go on in this way, madam," said the doctor, pointing to Harry, who had again become insensible.