Mezzoni the Brigand — page 34: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

> aa MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. separate, when the orders to the respective helms- men were misunderstood, and the helm of one or both wrongly set. As both were under headway a collision was the inevitable result, cutting the smaller vessel open at her starboard quarter so as to endanger the lives of all on board. The Capri steamer began to fill at once, the break- age being below the water-line, and with the ut- most skill and activity in launching boats from both vessels, it seemed nearly impossible to save all the passengers. Walter Hammond had been to sea as supercargo to India and elsewhere, besides being — naturally prompt and energetic in an emergency. To his activity and knowledge of the proper man- agement of a boat, many persons owed their lives on that occasion. The great requisite in such a catas- trophe is coolness and self-possession, which quali- ties he clearly exhibited. Especially was this the case in the instance of a young English girl who, after being placed in one of the rescuing boats, with her father, was by some singular accident crowded over the side and into the sea. The boat was loaded with human beings to the very water’s edge, and could not be turned about to pick her up, as she was swept away by the tide. Young Hammond was steering the boat, which had nearly reached the side of the large steamer when the accident occurred. Turning to the two oarsmen, he said: “Pull to the steamer and get these people on board—be lively about it—then come after me.’’ “Ay, ay, sir,’ responded the seamen, redoubling their efforts at the oars. While he spoke he had thrown off his coat, vest, and shoes, and now plunged into the sea, swimming comicboo ‘S.CO