inquire what had happened; behind them a woman began calling
shrilly for her husband.

"We touched a rock," the skipper explained, briefly. "Kindly go
below and stop that squawking. There's no danger."

There followed a harrowing wait of several minutes; then James,
the first officer, came to report. He had regained his nerve and
spoke with swift precision.

"She loosened three plates on her port quarter and she's filling
fast."

"How long will she last?" snapped Brennan.

"Not long, sir. Half an hour, perhaps."

The captain rang for full speed, and the decks began to strain as
the engine increased its labor. "Get your passengers out and
stand by the boats," he ordered. "Take it easy and don't alarm
the women. Have them dress warmly, and don't allow any crowding
by the men. Mr. Tomlinson, you hold the steerage gang in check.
Take your revolver with you." He turned to his silent friend, in
whose presence he seemed to feel a cheering sympathy, "I knew it
would come sooner or later, Murray," he said. "But--magnificent
mummies! To touch on a clear night with the sea like glass!" He
sighed dolefully. "It'll be tough on my missus."

O'Neil laid a hand upon his shoulder. "It wasn't your fault, and
there will be room in the last boat for you. Understand?" Brennan