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Two hours later there came a terrific explosion away down in the hold amongst the cargo. The ship trembled and listed.
“Women and children first! No danger! Time enough for all!” shouted the officers, as the frantic passengers surged about the life-boats.
She was going down rapidly by her stern. There came another explosion, this from the boilers.
“All women and children off?” bellowed the captain.
“Aye, aye, sir,” answered the second officer.
“Married men next!” shouted the captain as the men began scrambling into the boats. A score of men paused, bowed, and stepped back. Young Griggs tore his way through and started to clamber into the boat.
“Damn you, for a coward!” cursed the second officer, dragging him back.
Young Griggs yanked away and again clutched at the boat. This time the second officer struck him square in the face and he went down.
The boatload of married men was merely cut away, so low was the ship in the water. Then came a lurch, and the waves closed over the great ship.