The place was a foul, reeking shambles, so filthy as to be positively sickening, with motionless bodies stretched here and there along the deck.

Sailors and guards fought their way down among us, driving back the unarmed wretches who sought to oppose their progress, while others bore to the deck above those who were too helpless to rise.

There were five dead among them, and twice as many more who had lost consciousness.

These were all removed first and then, feeling helpless to resist the rush, the others were permitted to clamber up the ladder.

Surging out upon the deck, we were hurdled against the lee rail, menaced by leveled guns, and thus finally fed, while the filthy quarters below were hastily cleansed.
It was a dark, lowering morning, the desolate sea still threateningly rough, the heavy clouds hanging low.