They were iron.

They were perceivers, willers, and doers.

They were as of another species compared with the sailors under them.

While the latter, witnesses of the happening and directly on the spot, had been crying out in befuddled helplessness, and with slow wits and slower bodies been climbing upon the rail, the second mate had descended the steep ladder from the poop, covered two hundred feet of deck, sprung upon the rail, grasped the instant need of the situation, and cast the coil of line into the water.
And of the same nature and quality had been the actions of Mr.Pike.

He and Mr.Mellaire were masters over the wretched creatures of sailors by virtue of this remarkable difference of efficiency and will.