The available supply of food was limited.

It was his purpose to conserve it with the greatest possible care.

Down in the holds, of course, was a vast store of consigned foodstuffs, but he had no authority to draw upon it and would not do so unless the ship's own stock was exhausted.

Passengers and crew, therefore, would be obliged to go on short rations.

"Better to eat sparingly now," he said, "than not to eat at all later on." He concluded his remarks in this fashion: "Remember that we are all in the same boat.