You understand that to be squeezed flat under the keel of a boat wasn't a desirable position to be caught in if the ship went down suddenly.

"Why don't you--you the strongest ?" whined the little engineer.

"Gott-for-dam! I am too thick," spluttered the skipper in despair.

It was funny enough to make angels weep.

They stood idle for a moment, and suddenly the chief engineer rushed again at Jim.
'"Come and help, man! Are you mad to throw your only chance away?
Come and help, man! Man! Look there--look!" 'And at last Jim looked astern where the other pointed with maniacal insistence.