They will come through the saloon and up the companion.

We shan't be able to open the fore hatch." "Very well, skipper.

I will go down when the hands do.

We are going to have it soon." It was now indeed so dark that he could scarcely see the face of the man he was speaking to.
"I really think, captain, that I should send some of them down below at once.

If a flash of lightning were to strike the mast, it would probably go down the shrouds harmlessly, but might do frightful damage among the men, crowded as they are up here; or it might blind some of them.