"We must close this hatch to hold the fire in check long enough for the boats to be lowered." "A friend of mine has gone down there.

You can't close it till he comes out!" "To blazes with your friend!" snarled the man.

"What business had he to go down there?
If he's gone, he will have to stay there.

His life does not count against all the others." Then, under his directions the men started to close the hatch.
Browning sailed into them.

He was aroused to his full extent by the thought of what would happen if the hatch was closed and Frank was shut down there with the fire and smoke.