"Yesterday Magee went mad. He began to talk wildly, and to brandish the
loaded gun. I feared he would do injury with it, and endeavored to take
it from him. In some manner it was discharged, and I was injured, I am
well aware, fatally. I lost consciousness, and when I awoke today Magee
was gone. In his frenzy he must have plunged overboard.
"My strength is nearly gone, and it is hard to hold a pencil. Should our
boat by chance be discovered, let the finder communicate with Mr. Henry
Winslow, Carrington, Massachusetts, and care for the little boy, who is
his son. I commend the child to God's care, and as I die I pray God that
my son Edward may grow to noble and Christian manhood--that he may
possess as true and noble and Christian a character as my long-lost
brother for whom he was named, the brother who sacrificed so much for me
and him, and whom I wronged so deeply. God has forgiven me and I die in
peace.
"Robert Norman."
It was difficult to read the final lines, for the pencil had wavered
sadly, and it was evident that the entry had been finished with intense
effort.
When Mr. Winslow at last laid aside the yellow old notebook there were
no dry eyes, and for a little while all were silent. Then Edward took
Skipper Ed's hand in a strong grasp.
"With God's help," said he, "I will live as my father wished, and always
endeavor to be worthy his ideal."
* * * * *
But our story must end. I might relate how Bobby and Jimmy went to
college, for Skipper Ed would not part from his partner.
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