the water has entered only a few of the forward compartments."
The man spoke so confidently that his words made an impression upon me. I knew that it very often happens that a wreck floats for a long time, and the boat from which the men were now frantically shouting for the captain would certainly be dangerously crowded.
"Stay with me," said Mr. Crowder, "and I assure you, with as much reason as any man can assure any other man of anything in this world, that you will be perfectly safe. This steamer is not going to sink."
There were rapid footsteps, and I saw the captain and his second officer approaching.
"Step back here," said Mr. Crowder, pulling me by the coat. "Don't let them see us. They may drag us on board that confounded boat. Keep quiet, sir, and let them get off. They think they are the last on board."
Involuntarily I obeyed him, and we stood in the shadow of the great funnel. The captain had reached the rail.
"Is every one in the boats?" he shouted,
6
