Page:The Wreck of a World - Grove - 1890.djvu/90

74 engaged in packing up their possessions in order to transfer them on board the respective ships to which they were assigned. A Committee of some half dozen of the principal men were writing tickets and distributing them amongst the different families with a view to getting them on successive boatloads without crowding or confusion. While busily engaged in this occupation a boat hailed us, and in a few moments Lieutenant Dana stepped on board. Approaching me he whispered in my ear two words which made me start with dismay. Recovering myself, I told the committee to continue their work, and that I was obliged to go on board the Roanoke but would return shortly.

"How did it happen?" asked I, as soon as we were in the boat.

"Why, sir," replied Lieutenant Dana, "he was on watch until twelve o'clock when I relieved him, and he said he would turn in, but I was to call him when I went off my watch at four. I had been pacing the deck for some time and then sat down on the gunwale in the bows, lighted a cigar, and watched the moon which was slowly going down. Suddenly I