ned in
the confusion. The frantic stokers had got beyond the control of the
officer, and they rushed for the boats. Davits creaked, as the boats
were swung out. The crazed men pushed pell mell into them. One boat was
lowered when only half full, and by the time Captain Brown reached the
scene, the second boat was full, ready to be loosened.

"Hold," he commanded, as he held aloft his lantern and his revolver
pointed directly at the man who held one of the ropes.

"Out of there, every one of you--out I say--you first," to a man just
climbing in.

The stokers were not sailors--the riff-raff of many ports they were; and
now with them it was every man for himself. This feeling without proper
knowledge worked their undoing. The ropes were released, one before the
other, and the loaded boat bumped down the side of the vessel, one end
dropping before the other, spilling the screaming, cursing men into the
water. Down the boat slid until one end touched the waves, the rope ends
flying loosely so that they could not be reached by those on the deck. A
wave hit the boat as it hung and swamped it.

"My God," exclaimed the captain, "two of our boats are lost. There is
only one more left."

Chester Lawrence stood still and watched by the lantern's light what was
going on. He pressed forward in time to hear Captain Brown's remark
about the boats. Then together they crossed to the other side where that
last boat hung ready to be filled. And there was need for hurry now.
Slowly, but surely, the ship was sinking, and any moment might bring the
final plunge.

"Load the boat," shouted the Captain, "women first." The half dozen
women found places.

"Where's Lucy?" he enquired, looking around for Chester who had
disappeared. Lucy was not in the boat. The Captain was sure she had not
gotten away with the first boat. Chester would bring her.

"Now, fill in," was the order. "Mr. Strong, where are you? Is Mr. Strong
here?" But he was not to be found.

One by one the few remaining passengers took their places, then the
crew.

"Is there room for more?" asked the Captain of the officer in the boat.

"I fear not, sir," came the reply.

"Some of the men get under the seats," ordered the Captain. "Now, then
in with you men. Don't go yet. There is yet a woman aboard. Hold fast
there, officer, until I find her." He rushed down the stairs with his
lantern, calling for Chester. "Where are you--for God's sake come
quick!"

"Here I am sir,