The crews and passengers of each boat gathered near it.

Every man had been assigned to a boat either as crew or passenger, and when the order "abandon ship" was given, every one knew instantly where to go for refuge.
Though we had already gone through this "fire drill" and "abandon ship" (one always followed the other), it had then been done in peaceful waters and in a perfunctory way.

Now that we were entering "the theatre of war," we felt the seriousness of it all, and realized that what was now a mere drill might become a stern reality.
The order "Secure" was given; the hose was reeled up, the ports opened, and the provisions returned to their places in hold and store room.

The men went to their quarters, and so stood till the bugler blew "retreat." The time not devoted to drills was taken up in getting the ship ready for the serious work she was to undertake.
All woodwork on the gun deck not in actual use was carried below or thrown overboard, and the great cargo booms were either taken down and stowed safely away, where the splinters would not be dangerous, or were covered with, canvas.
These preparations had a sinister look that made us realize, if we had not done so before, that this was real war that we were about to engage in--no sham battle or manoeuvres.
The men went about their work more quietly and thoughtfully, for one and all now understood their responsibilities.

If the ship made a record for herself, the crew would get a large share of the credit; and if she failed to do the work cut out for her, on the crew would be laid the blame.