66 STUDIES OF NATURE 



obeyed. Had it not been, those who were 

 nearest the steamer would have had their necks 

 knocked out, for only by low stooping was there 

 just room to pass under. Happily there was no 

 noise or confusion. Everybody sat still, seeing 

 that in that only lay the chance of safety. Had 

 there been a rush, with such a sea under us, we 

 should certainly have gone over, having escaped 

 one calamity only to fall into another. It was a 

 bad five minutes, and many faces though set 

 firm were very pallid. Quietly the boat was got 

 from under the steamer; and, a rope having 

 been thrown, we were brought-to at the right 

 point. Even then it was no easy matter to 

 land, for the broad-bottomed ferry went up and 

 down like a feather, and some refused to attempt 

 it. The more adventurous spirits sprang up at 

 the right time, and were then caught by strong 

 hands and dragged on board. Some scenes of 

 rapid movement and short duration, especially 

 when accompanied with danger, become indelibly 



