So step lively! Now, Captain, tell 'em off in pairs." Coke's method was characteristic.

He literally fell on the two nearest men and began to truss them.

Hozier followed his example, and tied two others back to back.

They vanished, and the ropes returned, much more speedily this time.

Four, and four again, were drawn up to safety.
There were left the captain, Hozier, and the unhappy Watts, who was now crying because the skipper had "set about" him, just for singin' a reel ole wind-jammer song.
"You must take up this swine," said Coke to Hozier, dragging Watts to his feet with scant ceremony.