Savvy that belaying-pin I got in my fist? Now then,
get some bowlines, and sway out the ladies."
As well might the order have been addressed to a flock of sheep. They
heard what was said in an agonized silence. Then each poor soul there
stretched out his arms or hers, and clamored to be saved--and--never
mind the rest. And meanwhile the flames bit deeper and deeper into the
fabric of the steamer, and the breath of them grew more searching, as
the roaring gale blew them into strength.
"You ruddy Dutchmen," shouted the second mate. "It would serve you
blooming well right if you were left to be frizzled up into one big
sausage stew together. However, we'll see if kindness can't tame you a
bit yet." He waited till the swirl of a sea swung his boat under one of
the dangling davit falls, and caught hold of it, and climbed nimbly on
board. Then he proceeded to clear a space by the primitive method of
crashing his fist into every face within reach.
"Now then," he shouted, "if there are any sailormen here worth their
salt, let them come and help. Am I to break up the whole of this ship's
company by myself?"
Gradually, by ones and twos, the _Grosser Carl's_ remaining officers and
deck hands came shamefacedly toward this new nucleus of authority and
order, and then the real work began.
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