"I stowed it myself in the locker." Already the smoke was gathering in the cabin, and bright light shining in through the damaged barricade, but thanks to the example set there was no confusion after the first minute.

The captain took his place by the window and gave his orders, and one by one the ladies, the wounded, the dog, and the monkey were lowered down, and then turn by turn the men followed.
It now became evident that there was no farther need to fear attack, for the Malays were rapidly quitting the burning ship amid yells and confusion, while the light increased, and fortunately made the spot where the boat lay beneath the stern seem by comparison more dark.
At last Mark followed the men, and was resting on the sill trying to recollect whether all the arms were in the boat, when he heard the captain say: "Did you set her on fire ?" "My dear boy, no," cried the major.
"You proposed burning the ship." "Just as I would if I were in command and about to evacuate a fort, my dear sir; but how could I do this?
She caught fire somewhere amidships, I should say from their carelessness.

Gun-wads have been smouldering about, perhaps." "Perhaps so," said the captain thoughtfully; and Mark sat with one leg in and one leg out of the window gazing at his father as he stood there, his fine, manly face thrown up for a moment by the glow which shone through a hole in the door as a puff of wind set in through the open stern and wafted back the smoke which seemed to settle down directly.
"Well," said the major, speaking as coolly as if he were on parade, "shall I go first ?" "I was thinking, major.

I can't do it.

It seems like breaking my pledges, and acting dishonourably to the owners of the ship to leave her." "My dear Strong," said the major, clapping him on the shoulder, "the more I know of you the more I regret that you took to the sea." "My dear sir," said Captain Strong angrily, "is this a time for compliments ?" "It was meant sincerely," replied the major; "but let me point out to you that however painful this may be to you we must go now." "Why ?" said the captain.