"They are a downright good lot--those lads of ours, for'ard," he began, as he ranged up alongside of me in the wake of the mizzen-rigging. "I've just been on the fo'c's'le to find out what their ideas are about manning a boat; and I'd hardly had a chance to mention the matter when every man Jack of 'em gave me to understand that they were ready to do anything you choose to ask 'em, and that I'd only to say who I'd have to go in the boat with me. So I've picked Joe Murray and Tom Spearman, Little Dick, and Hairy Bill--as they call him in the fo'c's'le; and if you're agreeable, sir, I'll take the whaleboat gig; she's as light as a cork, and far and away the prettiest boat for a sea like this. The other gig would hold a man or two more, perhaps, but she's a much heavier boat; and those flat-starned craft are not half so safe as a double-ended boat when it comes to running before such a sea as this." "I fully agree with you, Mr Roberts," said I; "and I am very much obliged to you for your readiness to take command of the boat. Let two hands lay aft at once and see that everything you require is in her, and get her ready for lowering. The rest of the men can set to work to haul up the courses, take in the jib, and brail in the spanker. I shall heave to, and drop you as close to windward of the wreck as I can with safety; and then shall fill, and round-to again close under her stern." "Very good, sir," was the response. And Roberts turned away forthwith to prepare for the work of rescue.