The reversing of the engines had not stopped the momentum of the ship when Alan reached the open deck.

She was fighting, but still swept slowly ahead against the force struggling to hold her back.

He heard running feet, voices, and the rattle of davit blocks, and came up as the starboard boat aft began swinging over the smooth sea.

Captain Rifle was ahead of him, half-dressed, and the second officer was giving swift commands.

A dozen passengers had come from the smoking-room.