The first boat capsized before she even reached the water, and swung with a crash that shivered her against the side of the ship.

The other was more fortunate, and got clear just before we foundered.
Tim, who might have joined it, preferred to stand by me.

The other men provided themselves with spars or corks, and prepared for the end.
"Keep near me," said Tim with a tremble in his voice, not of fear but of affection.
That was all I heard; for at that moment the _Kestrel_ gave a dive forward, which cleared her decks, and sent her, captain, lace, and all, to the bottom.
"Jump!" cried a voice at my side.
I felt an arm round me as the water closed over us; and when, struggling hard against the suck of the foundering ship, I rose to the surface, Tim was beside me with one arm still round me, the other clinging to a floating spar..