Paul was anxious and eager
to get overboard and firmly held the captain to his word.
"As I have promised I will stand by it," said the captain.
At nine o'clock that night Paul fully prepared, with ax, paddle and bag
securely lashed to him, was ready to leave. It was a wild, dark night.
Great swells caused The Queen to roll heavily. In a few moments the cry
of "A light on the port bow, sir" rang over the decks.
"That's Cape Clear," said the captain, "Now, Boyton, if you are ready,
I'll stop her."
"Ready and willing," was Paul's response.
At this moment the first officer approached and earnestly remonstrated
with the captain saying:
"This will cause us all trouble. This man will surely lose his life."
The answer to his protestation was:
"On the bridge there, stop her."
The great screw ceased to beat the foaming water behind and The Queen
glided along with her own impetus.
"Good night captain! Good night ladies and gentlemen," said Paul as he
stepped over the rail and grasping a rope commenced to descend the side.
The vessel rolled heavily to port; he felt the sea around his feet, then
up to his armpits. He let go the rope and kicked himself vigorously
off the side. A loud cheer of farewell echoed over the waters.
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