er stepped out to see
what it was. Captain Brown and the first officer stood by the entrance
to the boiler rooms with gleaming revolvers in their hands, holding back
an excited crowd of stokers.

"Back, every one of you!" shouted the captain. "I shall kill the first
man who comes out until he is given permission."

The mass of half-naked, grimy men slunk back with curses and
protestations. "The ship is sinking," they cried, "let us get out."

"Steady there now." commanded Captain Brown. "There is plenty of time.
We shall let you out, but it must be done orderly. One at a time now,
and go get your clothes. Then stand by, ready for orders from the
engineer. Do you agree?"

"Yes, yes." They filed out one and two at a time, disappearing in the
darkness. Lanterns, prepared for this emergency, flashed here and there.
Chester obtained one and placed it on the table of the smoking room.

Presently the stewards could be heard running about the ship saying:
"Ready for the boats, ready for the boats--Everybody on the boat deck!"
The frightened passengers crowded up the steps in the half-darkness, the
gleam of lanterns showing the way. Men were clearing the davits, and
presently the first boat was ready to be filled.

Captain Brown was in command. He now looked out into the night, then
down to the rough sea, hesitating for a moment whether or not the time
had come. He did not wish to set these men and women afloat in small
boats on such a sea if he could possibly help it; but a settling
movement of the ship, which perhaps he only felt, decided him. He
detailed six sailors to the boat that was ready, then said:

"The women first--no crowding, please--stand back you!"--this to a man
whom panic had seized and who was crowding forward.

Sharp, clear, came the orders, and everyone understood. Some husbands
were permitted to go with their hysterical wives. Presently, "That will
do," ordered the captain. "There are plenty of boats, and there need be
no overloading. Lower away."

The first boat went down and was safely floated and rowed away from the
sinking ship. The sailors were busy with the second boat. Captain Brown
caught sight of Chester. "Where is Mr. Strong and Lucy. This is your
boat. Bring them along."

"When do you go, Captain?"

"I? On the last boat. Hurry them along, my boy."

Just as Chester turned, there came from the other side of the ship the
noise of shouting, rushing men. The commands of officers were drow