He saw himself saving people from sinking ships, cutting away masts in a hurricane, swimming through a surf with a line; or as a lonely castaway, barefooted and half naked, walking on uncovered reefs in search of shellfish to stave off starvation.

He confronted savages on tropical shores, quelled mutinies on the high seas, and in a small boat upon the ocean kept up the hearts of despairing men--always an example of devotion to duty, and as unflinching as a hero in a book.
'Something's up.

Come along.' He leaped to his feet.

The boys were streaming up the ladders.

Above could be heard a great scurrying about and shouting, and when he got through the hatchway he stood still--as if confounded.
It was the dusk of a winter's day.