16

Some of the men were hauling out the
hose pipes others were running about
with blankets over their arms (about
40 are [told/dold] off for this service) to
smother the fire They soak them in
water if there happens to be a real
fire other are standing round the
boats. Every man knows is place or
is supposed to from the crew of the
eight boats we have on board, Its a
queer sight to see the men run
cooks in aprons butchers smeared
with blood enginmen begrimed
with soot and coal Stewards with
their cloths tied round them. Sailors
just out of bed with only shirt & pants on
While the captain walks the bridge
like a caged tiger watching all
like an hawk & issueing orders
Everything was done in almost