But hold on now," said he, catching me by the arm, "the old ship's beforehand with us.

She's going to pieces before we reach shore." Sure enough she was.

The rough water into which we were plunging loosened her already warped timbers, and she gradually ceased to rise on the waves, but settled down doggedly and sullenly as the water poured in on this side and that and filled her hold.

Captain Keogh, suddenly roused to his senses, staggered on deck, and took the helm, not for any good he could do, but from the sailor's instinct to be at his post at the end.
All hands came on deck, and the order was given to lower the boats.

For the credit of these Irishmen be it said that no man stepped in till he was ordered by name.