Lanterns in a score or more of small boats bobbed fitfully in the gentle swell.
Presently lights appeared on board the Doraine, one here, one there, then others in twos and threes,--some of them stationary, others moving slowly from place to place.

The life-boats crept closer, still closer.
Then, out from the silent hulk, came the voice of man.

It was the voice of the First Officer, hoarse and unrecognizable, but sharp with authority.

Other voices repeated the commands from various parts of the ship,--commands to the encircling will-o'-the-wisps.
The word came down to the scores who filled the boats that they were to lie by until sunrise, keeping in close contact with each other and at no great distance from the ship.

The most thorough, careful examination of the steamer was in progress.