Meanwhile the rescued men were crouching in the bottom of the boat, silent, some of them with their faces buried in their hands, some lying back as though dazed, with their eyes closed.  And one of these last, I noticed, had the fingers of his two hands locked together, and his lips were moving, as though he prayed, or were returning thanks to God for his deliverance.  Presently he opened his eyes, and his gaze met mine full.  I noticed that he flushed slightly, as though ashamed at having been detected, so I nodded to him and said: