Meanwhile, after he had ineffectually tried everything possible to bring
the steamer's head to wind by means of the sails, the captain had to
give up and let her drift, rolling heavily in the trough of the sea.
The storm still raged with terrific fury, and it was evident that the
unmanageable vessel was being borne rapidly along.
But by slow degrees the violence of the wind began to abate, and fresh
efforts were made in the semi-darkness, and with the waves thundering
over the deck from time to time, to hoist something in the way of sail.
The men raised a cheer as this was at last successfully accomplished,
and once more obeying her helm the great vessel ceased rolling, and
rushed on for a few hundred yards at headlong speed.
But it was only to her fate, for rising high upon a huge billow she was
borne on for a short distance, and then there was the sudden check. She
had struck on another of the terrible coral reefs, and was fast,
offering an obstacle to the seething billows, at which they rushed,
broke, and then fell over, deluging the deck, and tearing at everything
in their way.
There seemed nothing more to be done but strive in the darkness to save
life, and captain and officers clung together and worked manfully.
The minute after the vessel had struck on the reef there was a rush for
the boats, but the officers were prepared. Revolvers leaped out, and
three or four men were struck down, the captain setting the example.
Then the fit of insubordination died out on the spot, and in perfect
order one of the boats was filled with women passengers and a crew, the
moment was watched, and it was cast off and floated away on a huge wave,
to be seen for a few moments, before it disappeared in the darkness.
Boat after boat was successfully despatched in this way without a single
hitch, each receiving its crew commanded by one of the officers; and at
last the barge only was left for the remainder and the captain, the last
passenger having gone in the boat despatched before--the last so far as
could be remembered in the hurry and confusion of the weird scene.
There was ample room for all as the captain stood holding on while men
hurriedly brought up and threw in bags of biscuit and such necessaries
as could be obtained in the hurry, the barge lying in its chocks,
lifting with every wave and ready to float out at the open side at any
time.
"Now then," cried the captain, in a voice hoarse from continuous
shouting, "you, Bostock, down below with you and help the doctor bring
up the young passenger."
"Ay, ay, sir," cried the old sailor, and he waited a moment to avoid the
water and then made a rush for the saloon cabin.
The next minute he was down below.
"Now, sir, quick," he said; "boat's just off. What! not ready?"
"It is impossible to move him, my man," said the doctor in sombre tones.
"It's murder to keep him here, sir," cried the old sailor. "Come on--
for your life!"
As he spoke he caught Carey in his arms before the doctor could
interfere, dashed open the door, and quickly carried the insensible lad
up to the sea-washed deck, to stand aghast and then hold on for his
life.
For something white and ghastly, fringed with phosphorescent light,
seemed to rise over the ship's side, curve down over, glide under the
barge lying in its chocks, and then lift the laden boat away over the
open side.
It was seen for a few moments and then disappeared, going in one swift
glide away into the darkness, leaving the doctor, his patient, and the
old sailor amidst the hissing waters alone upon the deck.