Chapter 18 - Page 270 - Pirate Ship

   Rhasha could now see it, though. "Jim," she whispered, "what is it?"

   As his eyes began to focus, fear gripped Jim's soul. Still distant but coming toward them, three fins sliced through the water. Jim knew below those fins were three man-eating sharks. "Rhasha," he said, "pray like you've never prayed before."

   He took his own advice and closed his eyes. "Father," he said, "you know my heart, and you know I want to live. But what's more important to me, Father, is that no harm comes to Rhasha and Shanha."

   As Jim prayed, he remembered that he was bleeding. He realized the sharks had picked up the scent of his blood. Jim opened his eyes and looked at his arm. Blood still flowed into the water. "Rhasha," Jim said, "take Shanha and swim far away from me."

   Rhasha knew what Jim was doing. "No. I want to be with yo-"

   "Do it now, Rhasha," Jim snapped. "For Shanha's sake."

   Rhasha began to cry. She pulled on Shanha and swam away from Jim. The sharks were about thirty yards away, swimming cautiously toward him.

   "Rhasha," Jim said, "after you get far enough away, I want both of you to lay on your backs and hold your breath. The salt water will help you float. Don't make any movements and maybe they will leave you alone." He wanted to give her more advice, but it was to late. The sharks were within a few feet of him and ready to attack.

   "Rhasha, Shanha," he said as the first shark moved in, ready to sink its teeth into Jim's arm, "I love you both."

   "I love you too, Papa," Shanha cried.

   "I love you, Jim," Rhasha called. Tears flowed down her cheeks. "Please tell me everything will be okay."

   Suddenly clouds rolled across the sky. Lightning flashed and thunder roared.

   "Everything will be okay, girls," Jim replied, staring at the sky.