In the eddying water, however, about the reversing screw, were two heads, and farther off was a man struggling.

The face of one of the men near the screw was upturned for a moment; it was that of Stone the quartermaster.
A cry went up from the passengers, and they swayed forward to the suspended boat; but Colonel Ryder turned almost savagely upon them.
"Keep quiet!" he said.

"Stand back! What can you do?
Give the officers a chance." He knew that there had been a false start, and bad work indeed; but he also saw that the task of the officers must not be made harder.
His sternness had effect.

The excited passengers drew back, and I took his place in front of them.

When the first effort had been made to lower the boat, I asked the first officer if I could accompany the crew, but he said no.