Coke tried to still the tumult by thundering a command to Norrie, second engineer, to throw open the throttle valve.
He took the wheel in person, meaning to shape a course due east, and thus endeavor to avoid the cruiser's baleful glance.

But some of the men realized instantly that this expedient would fail.

They were in no mood for half measures.

Norrie felt a bayonet under his left shoulder-blade.

Coke was roared down, and a hoarse voice growled: "Me for the tall timbers, maties.