A feeble smile came to the ladies when he spoke of swimming to Hong Kong, but the men, Veath included, looked serious.
"I think it would be wise if we make every preparation to leave the ship, awful as the prospect may seem.

My judgment is that we should take time by the forelock.

It will be too late after the crash comes." Veath said this solemnly, and a deeper sense of realization came to all of them.

Strange to say, it inspired energy and calmness rather than weakness and panic.
"The life preservers, you mean ?" almost whispered Grace.

A fearful lurch of the boat caused the whole party to cling desperately to the supports.
Before he could answer a ship's officer came scudding down below.
"Captain Shadburn says that every one is to prepare for the worst.