d Robin could do nothing but cling to the rope that bound it.
Next instant it again fell flat on the sea.

"Now--cut!" cried Sam.

The rope was severed with one blow; almost at the same instant the stern
of the Triton flew up with a degree of violence that no wave could
account for. It was her last fling. Instantly after she went down head
foremost. The masts, by good fortune, leaned away from the raft at the
time, else they would have been struck by the yards, or involved in the
rigging. As it was they did not escape. The vast whirlpool caused by
the sinking ship drew them in with irresistible power. For one moment
the horrified youths saw a dark green vortex towards which they rushed.
Another moment, and they beheld a green funnel whirling round them as
they sank into midnight darkness, while an ocean of roaring water filled
their ears.

Who shall attempt to describe, the feelings or sensations of that
moment! The one absorbing idea of self-preservation was of course
dominant, coupled with an intolerable feeling that the upper air could
never be regained.

It was reached, however, by all of them. First by Sam Shipton, who shot
waist-high above the sea with a loud gasp, and struck out wildly. Then,
recovering presence of mind, he swam more gently, and looked eagerly
round. He was immediately followed by Robin and Slagg. Last of all by
Stumps, who came up legs foremost, and, on turning other end up, saluted
them with a roar that would not have shamed a monster of the deep. But
the roar was cut short by a gurgle, as, in his frantic struggles, he
sank himself again.

Observing this, and seeing that the others were comparatively
self-possessed, Sam made towards his drowning comrade. The poor fellow,
catching sight of him as he came near, made a clutch at him, but Sam was
well aware of the danger of being grasped by a drowning man. He swerved
aside, and Stumps sank with a gurgle of despair. Twice again did he
rise and sink. Once more he rose. With a rapid stroke Sam swam behind
him and caught him under the armpits. Violently did the poor fellow
strive to turn round and clasp his preserver, but Sam, treading water,
held him easily at arm's-length with his head just above the surface.
As long as he struggled nothing more could be done for him; Sam
therefore put his mouth as near to his ear as possible and shouted:--

"Stop struggling!--else I'll let you go!"

It was probably as much the tone of Sam's