It was well past midnight when the lights went out.  Then the beat, beat of the engines grew less, became fainter, and then like a great heart, ceased.  The ship was dead, and lifeless it must float at the mercy of wind and wave.  Then from below came the cries of men, and there were hurried steps and sharp commands on deck.  Chester stepped out to see what it was.  Captain Brown and the first officer stood by the entrance to the boiler rooms with gleaming revolvers in their hands, holding back an excited crowd of stokers.

“Back, every one of you!” shouted the captain.  “I shall kill the first man who comes out until he is given permission.”

The mass of half-naked, grimy men slunk back with curses and protestations.  “The ship is sinking,” they cried, “let us get out.”

“Steady there now.” commanded Captain Brown.  “There is plenty of time.  We shall let you out, but it must be done orderly.  One at a time now, and go get your clothes.  Then stand by, ready for orders from the engineer.  Do you agree?”

“Yes, yes.”  They filed out one and two at a time, disappearing in the darkness.  Lanterns, prepared for this emergency, flashed here and there.  Chester obtained one and placed it on the table of the smoking room.

Presently the stewards could be heard running about the ship saying:  “Ready for the boats, ready for the boats—­Everybody on the boat deck!” The frightened passengers crowded up the steps in the half-darkness, the gleam of lanterns showing the way.  Men were clearing the davits, and presently the first boat was ready to be filled.

Captain Brown was in command.  He now looked out into the night, then down to the rough sea, hesitating for a moment whether or not the time had come.  He did not wish to set these men and women afloat in small boats on such a sea if he could possibly help it; but a settling movement of the ship, which perhaps he only felt, decided him.  He detailed six sailors to the boat that was ready, then said: 

“The women first—­no crowding, please—­stand back you!”—­this to a man whom panic had seized and who was crowding forward.

Sharp, clear, came the orders, and everyone understood.  Some husbands were permitted to go with their hysterical wives.  Presently, “That will do,” ordered the captain.  “There are plenty of boats, and there need be no overloading.  Lower away.”

The first boat went down and was safely floated and rowed away from the sinking ship.  The sailors were busy with the second boat.  Captain Brown caught sight of Chester.  “Where is Mr. Strong and Lucy.  This is your boat.  Bring them along.”

“When do you go, Captain?”

“I?  On the last boat.  Hurry them along, my boy.”

Just as Chester turned, there came from the other side of the ship the noise of shouting, rushing men.  The commands of officers were drowned in the confusion.  The frantic stokers had got beyond the control of the officer, and they rushed for the boats.  Davits creaked, as the boats were swung out.  The crazed men pushed pell mell into them.  One boat was lowered when only half full, and by the time Captain Brown reached the scene, the second boat was full, ready to be loosened.