Courbertin took the stern in the steep descent, and Del marshalled Tommy's reluctant rear.

A flat floe, dipping into the water at a slight incline, served as the embarking-stage.
"Into the bow with you, Tommy!" The Scotsman groaned, felt Bishop breathe heavily at his back, and obeyed; Frona meeting his weight by slipping into the stern.
"I can steer," she assured Corliss, who for the first time was aware that she was coming.
He glanced up to Jacob Welse, as though for consent, and received it.
"Hit 'er up! Hit 'er up!" Del urged impatiently.

"You're burnin' daylight!".