Charles Beadle

“ Captain Kelvett took her by the arm and shouted in her ear:
“She's going, Vi. Don't get excited. You haven't got time to get anything. Follow me.”
“Oh, right, uncle,” returned Vi calmly. “I'm coming.”
On the deck beneath, which was tilted heavily, she followed her uncle to the port side. A boat surrounded by a crowd of jabbering men was hanging outboard. Carnell appeared at her elbow.
“Here, Miss Kelvett, let me lift you!”
“No, no,” shouted Vi; and, catching hold of the falls, she slid into the boat, in which there were already several men. Almost on top of her came Selwyn. ”

“ Cool and quiet, she remained on the bridge suppressing a desire to ask her uncle what the matter was. A white form appeared beside her.
“For God's sake, what's the matter?” yelled Selwyn above the noise. “A mine?”
“Yes, I think so,” shouted Vi calmly.
AGAINST the violet darkness of the white-smudged sea she could make out that the forecastle of the ship was at a sharp angle and much nearer the water.
“Its blown the bows off her,” she thought, “and she's sinking fast.”
Figures of men seemed running aimlessly beneath her. She saw one boat hanging out in the davits. ”

“ That evening Vi, unable to support the presence near her of the “odious Selwyn creature,” as she termed him, fled to the upper bridge, where the presence of a mere male afforded a sanctuary.
Just after one bell, while pondering upon the mischance that had thrown them together and spoiled what might have been an interesting sea-voyage, she noticed that the glow of a cigar beneath the bridge was still there. However, she was too much worried over the possible effects that the man's malice might cause for her uncle to have any inclination to sleep.
“Good evening, Miss Kelvett. ”