hrieking of the
escaped steam and the cracking of woodwork, the siren of the boat
screamed out its frantic summons for help. Geraldine for the moment lost
her nerve. She began to shriek, and ran towards the nearest boat, into
which the people were climbing like ants. Thomson drew her back.

"Don't hurry," he begged. "Here!"

He threw open the door of a cabin which leaned over them, snatched two
of the lifebelts from the berth and rapidly fastened one on her. There
was some semblance of order on deck now that the first confusion had
passed. The men were all rushing to quarters. Three of the boats had
been blown into splinters upon their davits. The fourth, terribly
overloaded, was being lowered. Thomson, working like a madman, was tying
some spare belts on to a table which had floated out from the cabin.
More than once the boat gave a great plunge and they had to hold on to
the cabin doors. A huge wave broke completely over them, drenching them
from head to foot. The top of the rail now was on a level with the
sea. Thomson stood up for a moment and looked around. Then he turned to
Geraldine.

"Look here," he said, "there'll be plenty of craft around to pick us up.
This thing can't sink. Keep the lifebelt on and get your arms through
the belt I have tied on to the table, so. That's right. Now come over to
the side."

"You're not going to jump overboard?" she cried.

"We are going to just step overboard," he explained. "It's the only
chance. Throw off your fur cloak. You see, if we stay a moment later
we shall be dragged down after the steamer. We must get clear while we
can."

"I can swim," he answered quickly, throwing off his coat and waistcoat.
"This thing will support me easily. Believe me, Geraldine, there's
nothing to be frightened about. We can keep her afloat for half-a-dozen
hours, if necessary, with this only don't let go of it. Keep your arms
through, and--by God! Quick!"

A huge wave broke right over their heads. The boat, which had nearly
reached the level of the water, was overturned, and the air seemed full
of the screaming of women, the loud shouting of orders from the bridge,
where the captain was standing with his hands upon the fast sinking
rail. The water was up to their waists now. In a moment they ceased
to feel anything beneath their feet. Geraldine found herself suddenly
buoyant. Thomson, swimming with one arm, locked the other in their raft.

"Push yourself away from everything as well a