The lashings had given way, and the larboard, waist, and quarter boats were all swept from the davits, the frames sprung, and every timber in the good ship's hull worked, and strained, and complained, like a frail thing that must soon go to pieces.

Every order, however, was obeyed promptly and cheerfully, for both officers and crew felt that their lives, as well as the saving of the ship, depended on the way in which each man performed his duty.
Just before the gale came up five young men, including Tite, might have been seen grouped together in the waist of the ship, pondering over a chart.

Several books and nautical instruments were lying around.

They were all, except Tite, young men of wealthy parents, who had joined the ship to enjoy the excitements of a whaling voyage.

These young men, with Tite, had formed a school of instruction, and every evening got together in the same place to improve their knowledge in practical navigation.
One of them, a young man who had endeared himself to all on board by his courage and the gentleness of his manners, was third mate, and took a leading part in instructing the others.