Then the old tub rolled back, the waters slipped off, and I was sprawling on a wet deck with no breath in me and a gallon of brine in my windpipe.
I heard a voice cry out sharply, and a hand helped me to my feet.

It was Gresson, and he seemed excited.
'God, Mr Brand, that was a close call! I was coming up to find you, when this damned ship took to lying on her side.

I guess I must have cannoned into you, and I was calling myself bad names when I saw you rolling into the Atlantic.

If I hadn't got a grip on the rope I would have been down beside you.

Say, you're not hurt?
I reckon you'd better come below and get a glass of rum under your belt.