on for a while.
The mention of Shakespeare suggested to some of the ladies that it
would be pleasant, now they all knew each other so well, to put on some
amateur theatricals. They compromised by playing charades in the saloon.
Another evening Gissing kept them amused by fireworks, which were very
lovely against the dark sky. For this purpose he used the emergency
rockets, star-shells and coloured flares, much to the distress of Dane,
the quartermaster, who had charge of these supplies.

Little by little, however, the querulous protests of the passengers
began to weary him. Also, he had been receiving terse memoranda from
the Chief Engineer that the coal was getting low in the bunkers and that
something must be queer in the navigating department. This seemed very
unreasonable. The fixed gaze of Mr. Pointer, perpetually examining the
horizon as though he wanted to make sure he would recognize it if they
met again, was trying. Even Captain Scottie complained one day that
the supply of fresh meat had given out and that the steward had been
bringing him tinned beef. Gissing determined upon resolute measures.

He had notice served that on account of possible danger from pirates
there would be a general boat drill on the following day--not merely for
the crew, but for everyone. He gave a little talk about it in the saloon
after dinner, and worked his audience up to quite a pitch of enthusiasm.
This would be better than any amateur theatricals, he insisted. Everyone
was to act exactly as though in a sudden calamity. They might make
up the boat-parties on the basis of congeniality if they wished; five
minutes would be given for reaching the stations, without panic or
disorder. They should prepare themselves as though they were actually
going to leave a sinking ship.

The passengers were delighted with the idea of this novel entertainment.
Every soul on board--with the exception of Captain Scottie, who had
locked himself in and refused to be disturbed--was properly advertised
of the event.

The following day, fortunately, was clear and calm. At noon Gissing
blew the syren, fired a rocket from the bridge, and swung the engine
telegraph to STOP. The ship's orchestra, by his orders, struck up a
rollicking air. Quickly and without confusion, amid cries of Women and
children first! the passengers filed to their allotted places. The crew
and officers were all at their stations.

Gissing knocked at Captain Scottie's cabin.

"We