She had struck during the first mate's watch. The fourth
officer (survivor) had also been on deck. He gave evidence that his
superior, Mr. Rands, had said nothing about the course. For his own
part he had supposed the ship to be a good fifteen miles from the coast.
They had sighted no shore-lights to warn them: but the weather was hazy.
Five minutes before the catastrophe Mr. Rands had remarked that the wind
was increasing, but had deferred shortening sail. The ship was an old
one, but newly rigged throughout. Her compasses had been adjusted and
the ship swung at Greenhithe, just before the voyage. Mr. Murchison,
the captain, was a trusted commander of the H.E.I.C.: he came originally
from Liverpool, and had worked his way up in the company's service: a
positive man and something of a disciplinarian, almost a martinet--not a
man who would bear crossing easily. He was in his cabin, but came on
deck at once, ready dressed; and had, with Colonel Stanhope's
assistance, kept admirable order, getting out the three boats as
promptly as possible. A fourth had actually been launched, and was
being manned when the vessel plunged and stove her in as she went down.
"That is as much as needs be told about the _Nerbuddha_. Let me get on
to the happier part of the story, that which concerns Dick Hobart and
the small girl whom by Heaven's mercy he helped to save.
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