though in a sudden calamity. They might make up the boat-parties
on the basis of congeniality if they wished; five minutes would
be given for reaching the stations, without panic or disorder.
They should prepare themselves as though they were actually going
to leave a sinking ship.

The passengers were delighted with the idea of this novel
entertainment. Every soul on board-- with the exception of
Captain Scottie, who had locked himself in and refused to be
disturbed--was properly advertised of the event.

The following day, fortunately, was clear and calm. At noon
Gissing blew the syren, fired a rocket from the bridge, and swung
the engine telegraph to STOP. The ship's orchestra, by his
orders, struck up a rollicking air. Quickly and without
confusion, amid cries of Women and children first! the passengers
filed to their allotted places. The crew and officers were all at
their stations.

Gissing knocked at Captain Scottie's cabin.

"We are taking to the boats," he said.

"Goad!" cried the skipper. "Wull it be a colleesion?"

"All's clear and the davits are outboard," said Gissing. He had
been studying the manual of boat handling in one of the nautical
volumes in the chart-room.

"Auld Hornie!" ejaculated the skipper. "we'll no can salve the