In a lifeboat

In a lifeboat by Jeffery Farnol is a short story written in the early 20th century. It is a sea survival tale about three castaways adrift under a merciless sun, where thirst, fear, and suspicion test their humanity and lead to an unexpected act of self-sacrifice. Adrift in a becalmed boat, gentleman John Farrant strictly rations water for himself, Eve Wellerby, and the sailor Joe Trasker. Tormented by thirst and slipping toward madness, Joe accuses John of favoritism toward Eve and threatens violence; John keeps him in check with a knife while he and Eve grow quietly close. As days pass and hope fades, Eve urges John to kill Joe if he tries to seize the last water. John awakens to find his knife bloodied, Joe gone, and assumes the worst—until a crumpled note reveals Joe has thrown himself overboard to give the other two a chance at rescue, taking the knife to fend off sharks. A ship appears, and John and Eve, shaken and grateful, recognize Joe’s courage and grace.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.