Then, when it was visible once more, the sense of relief was almost as
hard to bear, so greatly were his nerves wrought up.
After a time it seemed to him that the sail was growing larger. At
first he doubted, then became assured of that fact.
He rose and shouted in sheer exultation. For a time the white spot
increased in size until he felt that he would certainly be seen a
moment or two later. But that longed-for moment did not come.
At last he perceived that the stranger was sailing at right angles to
his own course, which would naturally expose to his view a larger
expanse of sail. Would he be able to forge far enough ahead to be
recognized?
The period of suspense was almost an agony; nor was the after
conviction that the ship was slowly but surely leaving him, as she
passed on her course, much more painful by comparison. But as long as
she was in sight Ralph sailed on.
He could not voluntarily give up even the last glimpse of what appeared
to be the only link connecting him with his fellow creatures. But as
the dot of white was finally lost to view, he sank to the boat's bottom
in despair, letting the sail flap listlessly and the tiller swing
unguided.
"It is no use," he faltered, as his eyes momentarily filled under a
sinking feeling of utter loneliness. "I might as well give up."
But pain is at times a great reviver. As hope dwindled, the irritation
of his wound and the gnawing of his stomach forced their discomfort
upon his attention.
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