I was driving away at my own business.
The moment I heard the last word from Mr.Chipperton, I rushed to the other side of the deck, dragging Corny along with me.

But the boat was gone from there.
I could see them pulling away some distance from the ship.

It was easy to see things now, for the fire was blazing up in front.

I think the vessel had been put around, for she rolled a good deal, and the smoke was not coming back over us.
I untied the line from Corny, and stood for a moment looking about me.
There seemed to be no one aft but us three.

We had missed both boats.
Mr.Chipperton had helped his wife into the boat, and had expected to turn round and take Corny.