Ours was the only ship that had this device; we were very proud of it, and had been anxious to give its powers a practical test.

This thing was lashed to the garboard-strake of the main-to'gallant mizzen-yard amidships,[19] and there was nothing to do but cut the lashings and heave it over; it would do the rest.

One day the cry of 'Man overboard!' brought all hands on deck.

Instantly the lashings were cut and the machine flung joyously over.

Damnation, it went to the bottom like an anvil! By the time that the ship was brought to and a boat manned, I was become but a bobbing speck on the waves half a mile astern and losing my strength very fast; but by good luck there was a common seaman on board who had practical ideas in his head and hadn't waited to see what the patent machine was going to do, but had run aft and sprung over after me the moment the alarm was cried through the ship.