Most of us followed his example, and the spectacle of the swaying groups of men, bared for action, added a dramatic tinge to the scene.
Below, the powerful engines throbbed with a pulsation that set every bolt and joint creaking, the strident echoes of the firemen's shovels could he heard scraping against the iron floor, and little whistlings of steam came like higher notes in the general tune.

Even the noises of the ship were strange and weird and impressive.
The crews had been standing in readiness at their stations for almost an hour when it suddenly became noticeable that the darkness of night was giving way before a gradual dawn.

The glimmering flame in the lanterns faded and waned, objects buried in gloom began to assume shape, and the edges of the open ports grew sharp and more defined.

Constant waiting brought a relaxation of discipline, and the members of the different crews grouped about the ports and eagerly searched for the chase.
The smudge on the horizon had long since disappeared, but directly ahead could be seen the faint outlines of a steamer.

A dense cloud of smoke was pouring from her funnel, and it was plainly apparent that she was making every effort to escape.