first overside.

The lifeboat was loaded from stem to stern, and only Harrigan, McTee,
and half a dozen more remained on the ship when the boat swung a dozen
feet away from the _Mary Rogers_ and with the next wave was picked up
and smashed against the freighter. Its side went in like a matchbox
pressed by a strong thumb, and it zigzagged quickly below the surface.
The yells of the swimmers rose in a long wail. McTee caught Harrigan by
the shoulder and shouted in his ear: "Stay close and do what I do."

"Miss Malone!" yelled Harrigan in answer, and pointed.

She stood by the after-cabin, clinging to the rail with one hand while
she attempted to adjust a life preserver with the other. The _Mary
Rogers_ lurched forward, a long slide that buried half of the ship
under the sea. A giant wave towered above the side and licked the
wheelhouse away.

"Let her go!" roared McTee. "Save ourselves and let her
go."

It was a matter of seconds now before the last of the _Mary Rogers_
should disappear. They clambered up to the after-cabin.

"For the love av God, McTee, she's a woman!"


The Irishman struggled up the deck toward the girl, but the captain
caught him and held him fast.