but, for once in his life, at least, the big fellow had lost all his coolness, and he lost an oar overboard.
"He'll strike us!"
"We're lost!"
"Hold fast!"
Frank continued to pull, but he was ready to drop the oars and make a leap for Inza the moment the boat was struck.
"I'll do my best to save her!" he mentally exclaimed.
Still he knew the shock would hurl them far into the water, while the boat would be shattered in pieces. He might be stunned—he might be instantly killed.
For all that Inza stared straight at the whale, it is probable that she realized their terrible peril far better than Paula, who was so frightened that she covered her eyes with her hands.
Frank began to realize that there was a possibility of getting out of the way if the whale did not change its course. He strained every nerve—he pulled for life.
"Thank Heaven!"