The executive, who was already standing with his hand on the lever of the port indicator, swung it sharply to "Stop," while the quartermaster, at the starboard indicator, did the same.
"Half speed astern with both engines!" commanded the captain. "Stand by to lower, Mr. Staples!"
Again the signal levers swung, and the executive called out, "Stand by to lower, Mr. Liddon, as soon as we stop backing!"
The ship slowed down, trembling under the reversed strokes of the powerful screw and rolling sheets of white foam from beneath each quarter.
"Stop both engines!" ordered Dave.
"Stop, sir!"
"Lower away, Mr. Staples!"
"Lower away, sir!" and an instant later the boat sank to the water, was detached, and was pulling rapidly toward the swimmer, who, when first abandoned by the junk, had paddled about irresolutely, but was now making his way steadily toward the boat.
"It's a negro, fast enough," observed Staples, gazing through his binoculars. "He's as black as the ace of spades."