The soldiers stopped rowing, and the lieutenant and one of the extra men were sent into the bow.

This change settled the bow of the boat down into the water, and lifted the stern.

The major appeared to be equal to the emergency; he gave his orders in a loud voice, and the rowing was renewed with the delay of not more than a couple of minutes.

But that was enough to defeat his present purpose, though he still urged his men to exert themselves to the utmost.
The long-boat went astern of the tug, and Christy came out from his place on the floor to the windows.

Captain Pecklar was loading the gun, as he had done before, by swinging it around so that the muzzle was under the pilot-house.
"I think you will have no further use for that gun," said Christy, when he saw what the captain was doing.
"Perhaps not; but it is best to have it ready for the next time we want it.