The _Mazatlan_ wallowed helplessly in the trough of the sea.
Vandover's very first impulse was a wild desire of saving himself; he had not the least thought for any one else.

Every soul on board might drown, so only he should be saved.

It was the primitive animal instinct, the blind adherence to the first great law, an impulse that in this first moment of excitement could not be resisted.

He ran forward and snatched a life-preserver from the pile that was stored beneath the bridge.
As he was fastening it about him, the passengers began to pour out upon the deck, from their staterooms, from the companionways, and from the dining saloon.

In an instant the deck was crowded.