Above, on deck, the men lined up, calm and quiet. But the _Victoria_ was heeling over; sinking fast. Jellicoe, clad in pyjamas, had clambered on to the bridge, and accompanied by two junior officers, attempted to signal to the _Camperdown_. It was too late. The _Victoria_ lurched, turned on her side and poured her living freight into the Mediterranean. Those on the upper deck jumped or were flung into the waters. There were many still below, and as the ironclad sank they could be seen clambering through the port holes and sliding down the ship's side. The majority were caught like rats in a trap. Several of those who escaped from her were struck by the propellers, still racing madly. Others were sucked below when she finally sank and disappeared. As she sank the _Victoria_ turned right over and went down bottom upwards. Hardly had she disappeared from sight when there came a terrific explosion and a mighty mass of water was thrown high into the air. Many of the men who had risen to the surface and were swimming about, were swept away and drowned in this waterspout. Jellicoe, who had been flung from the bridge when the boat commenced to turn turtle, escaped the explosion--probably caused by the bursting of the boilers. He was a sick man with a temperature over 100°. He swam as long as he could, but weakened by fever he was in danger of collapsing, when Midshipman West came to his rescue and supported him. Very probably, but for young West, Jellicoe would have gone under. The nation owes him a debt to-day. Eventually they were both picked up by one of the boats sent from the Fleet. The _Camperdown_ herself was in a bad way; her bows were crumpled up, and for a little while it looked as though she would sink too, and follow her sister-ship to the bottom of the Mediterranean. But thanks to the celerity with which the water-tight doors were closed and the collision-mats got out, she was saved; the crew were kept working right through the night to keep her afloat. There were numerous instances of courage and devotion besides that quoted of Jellicoe, who, before going on deck, went below to warn and hurry up any men he might find there. One of the boatswains continued semaphoring until he was washed off his feet. Admiral Tryon refused to try and save himself though implored to do so by his coxswain. The last words he is reported to have said were addressed to a midshipman: "Don't stop here, youngster; get to a boat." He might have got to that boat himself, but he went down with his ship. At the court martial Captain Bourke was exonerated from all blame, and the finding of the Court was that the collision had been caused by Admiral Tryon's order. CHAPTER V THE BOXER RISING IN CHINA After the loss of the _Victoria_ Jellicoe served as Commander on H.M.S. _Ramillies_, flagship in the Mediterranean. Early in January, 1897, he joined the Ordnance Committee, and received his promotion, attaining the rank of Captain.