Every command was obeyed instantly with a degree of vigour that is seldom exhibited save in cases of life and death.
Buzzby was at the starboard and Peter Grim at the larboard gangway, while the men stood in two rows, extending from each to the main hatch, up which ever thickening clouds of dark smoke were rolling.

Bucket after bucket of water was passed along and dashed into the hold, and everything that could be done was done, but without effect.

The fire increased.

Suddenly a long tongue of flame issued from the smoking cavern, and lapped round the mast and rigging with greedy eagerness.
"There's no hope," said Captain Ellice in a low voice, laying his hand gently on Captain Guy's shoulder.
The captain did not reply, but gazed with an expression of the deepest regret, for one moment, at the work of destruction.
Next instant he sprang to the falls of the larboard quarter-boat.
"Now, lads," he cried energetically, "get out the boats.

Bring up provisions, Mr.Bolton, and a couple of spare sails .-- Mr.Saunders, see to the ammunition and muskets.