Page:MacGrath--The luck of the Irish.djvu/263



HAT night William Grogan went down into hell and remained there for ten days, every hour of which was a day in itself.

The captain was dreadfully sorry, but he could not turn back. Once the Ajax set her forefoot toward the open sea, she had to go on. She was like fate: nothing could swerve her from her course save an act of God. Who first laid down this immutable sea-law that a ship must never turn back? No one seems to know. If a fire breaks out in the hold, they fight it ; they send out calls for help; but they do not turn back, save in rare instances; they keep plowing on.

"God knows I'm sorry, lad; but we dropped our pilot two hours back, and I could not turn around if I wanted to. If what you say is true, there's only one thing to do. Send a wireless to the American consul-general, state all the facts, and have patience."

"Patience? My God! and she left all her money with me!"

"You write the wireless and I'll sign it," said the captain, gently. This young chap's misery went to his heart. "The consul-general will