Кінець рабства
XIV
Allthelightswentout:severalchain-guys,snapping,clatteredagainstthefunnel:therewerecrashes,pingsofpartedwire-rope,splinteringsounds,loudcracks,themastheadlampflewoverthebows,andallthedoorsaboutthedeckbegantobangheavily.Then,afterhavinghit,sherebounded,hitthesecondtimetheverysamespotlikeabattering-ram.Thiscompletedthehavoc:thefunnel,withalltheguysgone,felloverwithahollowsoundofthunder,smashingthewheeltobits,crushingtheframeoftheawnings,breakingthelockers,fillingthebridgewithamassofsplinters,sticks,andbrokenwood.CaptainWhalleypickedhimselfupandstoodknee-deepinwreckage,torn,bleeding,knowingthenatureofthedangerhehadescapedmostlybythesound,andholdingMr.Massy’scoatinhisarms.
BythistimeSterne(hehadbeenflungoutofhisbunk)hadsettheenginesastern.Theyworkedforafewturns,thenavoicebawledout,“Getoutofthedamnedengine-room,Jack!”—andtheystopped;buttheshiphadgoneclearofthereefandlaystill,withaheavycloudofsteamissuingfromthebrokendeckpipes,andvanishinginwispyshapesintothenight.Notwithstandingthesuddennessofthedisastertherewasnoshouting,asiftheveryviolenceoftheshockhadhalf-stunnedtheshadowylotofpeopleswayinghereandthereaboutherdecks.ThevoiceoftheSerangpronounceddistinctlyabovetheconfusedmurmurs—
“Eightfathom.”Hehadheavedthelead.
Mr.
