The hatch-way of the cabin came slap down, right through the top of the boat; and it was the only way out, except a small hole in the side which we had used for putting our arms through to dip up water before we lashed the boats together.
"We were now floating sideways, and the boat I was in was the hindmost as we went.

All at once I heard the hands begin to run over the top of the boat in great confusion, and pull with all their might.

And the first thing I know'd after this we went broadside full tilt against the head of an island, where a large raft of drift timber had lodged.

The nature of such a place would be, as everybody knows, to suck the boats down and turn them right under this raft; and the uppermost boat would, of course, be suck'd down and go under first.

As soon as we struck, I bulged for my hatchway, as the boat was turning under sure enough.