“Unnecessary panic,” said Ordith. “It’s only one of his damned steadying lines.”
The Engine-room telegraph had clanged, and, the engines being stopped, the tug rolled heavily. Through the silence came a voice that contained a suggestion of doubt: “Man overboard!” Then a moment later, loud and clear:
“Man overboard!”
Toby, whom they could not see, shouted: “Away lifeboat’s crew—no, not all of you—blast your eyes!... Make a signal to Flag for boats and doctor. Keep a look-out from the bridge.... Find out who’s missing, Hogge.”
Ordith, moved at last, went aft, followed by John and Cunwell. Toby, standing near a blood-soaked body that lay on the deck, was questioning a seaman whose nerves had gone.
“You shouted ‘Man overboard!’ didn’t you?”
“Yessir.”
“Did you see him go over?”
“Not see ’im, sir, as you might say. Thought I saw a splash, sir.”
“Splash—in this sea?”