I'm going to the saloon deck." She was off as she spoke.
Upon the stairway she found herself in the midst of a struggling panic-stricken mob, tripping over each other on the steps, and clutching at any garment nearest, to drag themselves up as they fell, or were on the point of falling.

Everyone was crying out in question and appeal.
Bettina stood still, a firm, tall obstacle, and clutched at the hysteric woman who was hurled against her.
"I've been on deck," she said.

"A tramp steamer has run into us.

No one has time to answer questions.

The first thing to do is to put on warm clothes and secure the life belts in case you need them." At once everyone turned upon her as if she was an authority.