Then he observed that the larboard engine still ran.

Was Munson dead or asleep?
Clearly it was August's duty to stand by his own engine.

But then he was startled to think what damage to property or life might take place from the failure of the second engineer to stop his engine.

While he hesitated, and all these considerations flashed through his mind, the pilot's bell rang again long and loud, and August then, obeying an impulse rather than a conviction, ran over to the other engine, stopped it, and then, considering that it had run so long against orders, he reversed it and set it to backing without waiting instructions.

Then he seized Munson and woke him, and hurried back to his post.