I was ordered to the bow of the boat and then things grew serious The suction of the sinking Haiping was like a magnet, It kept drawing us towards her and it was some time before we could get clear of hei side, each wave forcing us aft wher she was awash, the bulwark door having been, burst open by the heavy seas which made them look like hungry gaping mouths spewing water. I thought we would land on her after hatch and be dashed to pieces I sang out once in the toment and then crawled as far in the bow as I could fearing an oar might hit me and for support I clinging to the lifting hook.
The sea was getting worse and the Mildura crowd worked for all they were worth, One cheery lad started to sing "Pack Up Your Troubles" and we all joined in.
After What seemed, like years and everyone pulling with every ounce of strength we reached the Mildura visible and the first ray of light ned on our perilous condition as she came closer and I could see her port-light. I wished for Alladin's lamp so a Sydney Bridge would appoor from our ship to her. It was fanciful thought, but under stress ior many impossible s Mildura To Rescue course, anlike. I started. to ack and it had its point in keeping my mind off the increasing danger.
The Mildura stood by all-night a when it was possible for me to io the open door and pelu the rain to her. I did xo as
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.