2 a.m.
The issue of lifebelts to the native troops puzzled them greatly . They could not understand the precaution , for they were ignorant of the danger of making voyages in war-time . Their faith in the `` big canoes '' of King George was so firm that , sea-sickness notwithstanding , they had no doubts or fears concerning their safe arrival in the land where Briton , Boer , Indian and African were doing their level best to stamp out the blight of German kultur . At four bells -LRB- 2 a.m. -RRB- on the fifth day of the voyage Wilmshurst was roused from his sleep by a commotion on deck . Men were running hither and thither carrying out a series of orders shouted in stentorian tones . The _ Zungeru _ was altering course without slackening speed , listing noticeably to starboard as the helm was put hard over . Almost at the same time Laxdale awoke .