And directly we heard the confused tramping and shouting of the sailors, as they rushed from their dreams into the almost inscrutable darkness.
"Man overboard! Man overboard!" My heart smote me as the human cry of horror came out of the black vaulted night.
"Down helm!" was soon heard from the chief mate.

"Back the main-yard! Quick to the boats! How's this?
One down already?
Well done! Hold on, then, those other boats!" Meanwhile several seamen were shouting as they strained at the braces.
"Cut! cut all! Lower away! lower away!" impatiently cried the sailors, who already had leaped into the boats.
"Heave the ship to, and hold fast every thing," cried the captain, apparently just springing to the deck.

"One boat's enough.

Steward; show a light there from the mizzen-top.

Boat ahoy!--Have you got that man ?" No reply.