M-a-r-k three...

Quarter less three!...

Half twain!' This was frightful! I seized the bell-ropes and stopped the engines.
'Quarter twain! Quarter twain! MARK twain!' I was helpless.

I did not know what in the world to do.

I was quaking from head to foot, and I could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far.
'Quarter LESS twain! Nine and a HALF!' We were DRAWING nine! My hands were in a nerveless flutter.