The carpenter stood waving his arms at the door of his shop, shouting,
"Man ovairboard! Man ovairboard!"
The starboard watch came sliding down backstays from aloft in frantic haste. All hands were speedily in a wild state of excitement and indignation.
"Steady, boys, steady! Stand by yer lee braces!" called the bosun quietly in his deep voice.
"Hard down the wheel!" roared the old man. "No, hold hard, as yew were! Hold on all! Keep her as she goes!"
"Ain't you goin' to try an' pick 'em up, sir?" asked the bosun indignantly.
"What kin I do, bosun, what kin I do? We ain't got no boats! Snakes, what a 'tarnal mess! But thar ain't nothin' ter do. Send the port watch below," cried the old man unsteadily.
There was a roar of indignation from the crew at these words, and a storm of groans, hoots, and hisses broke forth.
"It's murder, begorr, black, bloody murder!" screeched Pat.