the commodore shouted. “Any of the men wishing to save themselves must be ready at the starboard side of the ship to jump into the launch.”Another boat had been prepared. It was the big one in the centre of the ship; it had taken thirty seamen to get her over the side and now she hung by both aft and forward lines as men jumped into her.“Hey!” I called out again, trying to get someone’s attention, so often now that my voice was hoarse. “Someone let me loose!” I had been straining against my bonds since the pinnace had left and all I had managed to achieve was chafing of my hands and wrists. Blood mixed with seawater was running down my arms. I had called to the seamen as they ran past but not one had noticed. I sagged against the stanchion, cold and exhausted and certain that I was going to die.“Sam,” a familiar voice said as a firm hand grabbed my shoulder. “Do you live?”“Aye,” I said wearily. I raised my head and tried to smile at Fred. “Right, let’s get you off this ship.”
