“Silence!” the captain roared as Mark reached his side. “No man is to go near a boat save those who are picked out. Listen, my lads, and you gentlemen as well. I will have discipline observed. And mind this: I’m going to extinguish this fire and save the ship if possible. If it proves to be impossible we’ll take to the boats.”
“When it’s too late,” shouted one of the crew.
“No; when it is necessary. Mr Morgan, take three men and the passengers, and put provisions and water in the boats with compasses, and lower them down ready. As soon as each boat is ready place one of the gentlemen armed by her, and he is to shoot down any man who turns coward and rushes for the boats before orders are given. Now, sir, you have your orders. Go on.”
“Ay, ay, sir,” cried the second-mate. “Widgeon, Small, Smith, this way. Now, gentlemen, quick!”
There was a rush to follow the mate, while the rest of the men on deck stood in a knot whispering and excited, for the smell of burning now grew plainer and plainer, and a dense fume rose from the hatch.
“Now, Gregory, have up the men from the forecastle. Did they hear what was said?”
“Ay, ay, sir,” came in a chorus as the men came scrambling up.
“But, captain—the ladies,” cried Major O’Halloran excitedly.
“Well, sir, they will behave like English ladies should,” said the captain loudly. “My wife will have charge of them, and they will be ready to go down to the boats slowly and in order. Mark, my boy, go to your mother’s side and help her in every way you can.”
Mark ran to where his mother was standing with Mrs O’Halloran and Mary, all half-dressed and trembling.