“If there was holding ground, I should let go the best bower, and make all snug aloft.”
“But suppose the best bower is carried away?”
“I should let go the second bower, sir.”
“But suppose you lose that?” asked the captain, looking still more serious.
“I should cut away the masts and bring up with my sheet anchor.”
“But in the event of losing that, Mr Rayner, how would you next proceed?”
“I should have done all that a man can do, and should look out for the most suitable place for running the ship ashore.”
“But, suppose you could find no suitable place, Mr Rayner?”
“Then, sir, I should let her find one for herself, and make the best preparations time would allow for saving the lives of her people, when she struck.”
“I have the pleasure to inform you, Mr Rayner, that you have passed your examination very creditably,” said Captain Cranston, handing him his papers.