I now whispered to
John Steadiman, "John, I stand at the gangway here, to see every soul on
board safe over the side. You shall have the next post of honour, and
shall be the last but one to leave the ship. Bring up the passengers,
and range them behind me; and put what provision and water you can got
at, in the boats. Cast your eye for'ard, John, and you'll see you have
not a moment to lose."
My noble fellows got the boats over the side as orderly as I ever saw
boats lowered with any sea running, and, when they were launched, two or
three of the nearest men in them as they held on, rising and falling with
the swell, called out, looking up at me, "Captain Ravender, if anything
goes wrong with us, and you are saved, remember we stood by you!"--"We'll
all stand by one another ashore, yet, please God, my lads!" says I. "Hold
on bravely, and be tender with the women."
The women were an example to us. They trembled very much, but they were
quiet and perfectly collected. "Kiss me, Captain Ravender," says Mrs.
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