IT was 2 p.m. on
the afternoon of May 7, 1915. The Lusitania had been struck by two torpedoes in
succession and was sinking rapidly, while the boats were being launched with
all possible speed. The women and children were being lined up awaiting their
turn.
One girl stood
alone, slightly apart from the rest. She was quite young, not more than
eighteen. She did not seem afraid, and her grave, persistent eyes looked
straight ahead.
"I beg your
pardon."
A man's voice
beside her made her start and turn. She had noticed the speaker more than once
amongst the first-class passengers.
She noticed now
that he was greatly agitated.
"Yes?"
Her grave eyes met his inquiringly.
"I'm
carrying papers—vitally important papers. They may make all the difference to
the Allies in the war. You understand? These papers have GOT to be saved!
They've more chance with you than with me. Will you take them?"
The girl held
out her hand.