All that we desired was just once to
slake our raging thirst and moderate our gnawing hunger.
How all the names found their way to the bottom of a hat I cannot
tell. Very likely Falsten wrote them upon a leaf torn from his
memorandum-book. But be that as it may, the eleven names were
there, and it was unanimously agreed that the last name drawn
should be the victim.
But who would draw the names? There was hesitation for a moment;
then, "I will," said a voice behind me. Turning round, I beheld
M. Letourneur standing with outstretched hand, and with his long
white hair falling over his thin livid face that was almost
sublime in its calmness. I divined at once the reason of this
voluntary offer; I knew that it was the father's devotion in
self-sacrifice that led him to undertake the office.
"As soon as you please," said the boatswain, and handed him the
hat.
M. Letourneur proceeded to draw out the folded strips of paper
one by one, and after reading out aloud the name upon it, handed
it to its owner.
The first name called was that of Burke, who uttered a cry of
delight; then followed Flaypole and the boatswain. What his name
really was I never could exactly learn. Then came Falsten,
Curtis, Sandon. More than half had now been called, and my name
had not yet been drawn. I calculated my remaining chance; it was
still four to one in my favour.
M. Letourneur continued his painful task. Since Burke's first
exclamation of joy not a sound had escaped our lips, but all were
listening in breathless silence.
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