Page:Frank Stockton - Vizier of the two-horned Alexander.djvu/18

THE VIZIER OF THE I 've just as much right to be saved as the captain has, and if there are any vacant places, let us get them as soon as possible."

Crowder now put his hand on my shoulder as if to restrain me. "Safety!" said he. "You need n't trouble yourself about safety. You are just as safe where you are as you could possibly be in one of those boats. If they are not picked up soon,—and they may float about for days,—their sufferings and discomforts will be very great. There is a shameful want of accommodation in the way of boats."

"But, my dear sir," said I, "I can't stop here to talk about that. They are calling for the captain now."

"Oh, he 's in no hurry," said my companion. "He 's collecting his papers, I suppose, and he knows his vessel will not sink under him while he is doing it. I 'm not going in that boat; I have n't the least idea of such a thing. It will be odiously crowded, and I assure you, sir, that if the sea should be rough that boat will be dangerous. Even now she is overloaded."