Go on." "Ay, ay, sir," cried the second-mate.

"Widgeon, Small, Smith, this way.
Now, gentlemen, quick!" There was a rush to follow the mate, while the rest of the men on deck stood in a knot whispering and excited, for the smell of burning now grew plainer and plainer, and a dense fume rose from the hatch.
"Now, Gregory, have up the men from the forecastle.

Did they hear what was said ?" "Ay, ay, sir," came in a chorus as the men came scrambling up.
"But, captain--the ladies," cried Major O'Halloran excitedly.
"Well, sir, they will behave like English ladies should," said the captain loudly.

"My wife will have charge of them, and they will be ready to go down to the boats slowly and in order.

Mark, my boy, go to your mother's side and help her in every way you can." Mark ran to where his mother was standing with Mrs O'Halloran and Mary, all half-dressed and trembling.
"I heard what your father said, Mark, my boy, and we are going to be calm.