“I haven’t been here but a day or two,” Benny replied gravely. “I was on the ship Amazonia when she went ashore only a short distance from this building.”
“Then you know what it is to see these men come to your assistance. How many were saved from the ship, lad?”
“No one but me,” Benny replied, turning away quickly lest the mate should see the tears in his eyes, and in order to avoid further questioning he went in search of the book mentioned.
“It’s the only thing in my pocket, lad,” the mate cried, understanding, perhaps, why Benny professed such eagerness to see the instructions. “I took it from my berth when it seemed certain the Three Brothers was doomed. Give me the book, and I’ll read that part of the printed matter which most interests us sailors.”
After searching over the sodden clothing, which he had carefully hung on pegs behind the stove, Benny found a tiny book and brought it to the mate, who read as one does who wishes to refresh his memory:
“‘The patrolman, after discovering your vessel ashore and burning a Coston signal, hastens to his station for assistance. If the use of a boat is practicable, either the large life-boat is launched from its ways in the station and proceeds to the wreck by water, or the lighter surf-boat is hauled overland to a point opposite the wreck and launched, as circumstances may require.
“‘Upon the boat reaching your vessel, the directions and orders of the keeper (who always commands and steers the boat) should be implicitly obeyed. Any headlong rushing and crowding should be prevented, and the captain of the vessel should remain on board, to preserve order, until every other person has left.
“‘Women, children, helpless persons, and passengers should be passed into the boat first.
“‘Goods or baggage will positively not be taken into the boat until all are landed. If any be passed in against the keeper’s remonstrance he is fully authorized to throw the same overboard.
“‘Should it be inexpedient to use either the life-boat or surf-boat, recourse will be had to the wreck-gun and beach-apparatus for the rescue by the breeches-buoy or the life-car.