Indeed, it would have done so, if a man had not kept constantly pouring water upon it.

It was needful to be very cautious in managing the line, for the duty is attended with great danger.

If any hitch should take place, the line is apt to catch the boat and drag it down bodily under the waves.

Sometimes a coil of it gets round a leg or an arm of the man who attends to it, in which case his destruction is almost certain.

Many a poor fellow has lost his life in this way.
The order was now given to "hold on line".