Then he became conscious of the confusion, and awakening uproar on both vessels. Cries of agony, shouts of alarm, and hoarse orders pierced the midnight air. He ran forward and saw the yawning cavern which the blow had made in the ship's side, and heard the rush of water into the hold. Across the chasm he saw the captain's pale face looking down with a dismay like his own.
"The ship will sink, and soon," Gregory shouted.
There was no denial.
Down to the startled passengers he rushed, crying, "Awake! Escape for your lives!"
His words were taken up and echoed in every part of the ship.
He struck a heavy blow upon the door of Annie's stateroom. "Miss
Walton!"
"Oh, what has happened?" she asked.
"You and Miss Morton come on deck, instantly; don't stop to dress; snatch a shawl—anything. Lose not a moment. What is Hunting's number?"
"Forty, on the opposite side."
"I will be back in a moment; be ready."