His words did run together a little, but he was not drunk.
"Men and women," said he, "what I told that poor devil is Gospel truth; but I didn't tell him we'd no chance of saving our lives, did I?
Not me, because we have! Keep your heads and listen to me.

There's two good boats on the davits amidships; the chief will take one, the second officer the other; and there ain't no reason why every blessed one of you shouldn't sleep in Ascension to-morrow night.

As for me, let me see every soul off of my ship and perhaps I may follow; but by the God that made you, look alive! Mr.Arnott--Mr.McClellan--man them boats and lower away.

You can't get quit o' the ship too soon, an' I don't mind tellin' you why.

I'll tell you the worst, an' then you'll know.