Most of the passengers were at our boat, but the captain took some of them over to the other side of the deck.
[Illustration: "RECTUS HELPED ME TO FASTEN THE LIFE-PRESERVER."] When our boat was ready, there was a great scramble and rush for it.
Most of the ladies were to get into this boat, and some of the officers held back the men who were crowding forward.

Among the others held back were Rectus and I, and as Corny was between us, she was pushed back, too.

I do not know how the boat got to the water, nor when she started down.

The vessel pitched and tossed; we could not see well, for the smoke came in thick puffs over us, and I did not know that the boat was really afloat until a wave lifted it up by the side of the vessel where we stood, and I heard Mr.Chipperton call for Corny.

I could see him in the stern of the boat, which was full of people.
"Here she is!" I yelled.
"Here I am, father!" cried Corny, and she ran from us to the railing.
"Lower her down," said Mr.Chipperton, from below.