It happened that Bruce Browning had heard the commotion on deck, and, strange to relate, it had aroused him so that he was coming up.
Bruce had just started to go above when Hans came flying through the air like a huge toad, struck him full and fair, and both went down in a heap on the cabin floor.
"Dot seddles id!" yelled the frightened Dutch lad. "Der yocht vos sunkin' und I vos a goner!"
"You blundering Dutch chump!" gasped Bruce, when he could catch his breath. "What is the matter?"
"Didn't you toldt me der yocht vos sunkin'?" shrieked Hans. "Id haf run ofer a pig sdeampoat! Uf you kept myseluf drownting from I vill haf to got oudt und valk ashore!"
Browning managed to get himself together and rise to his feet. Then he hurried up the companion way and reached the deck just in time to see the huge white hull of a steamboat looming above the yacht.
But Merriwell's prompt action and steady nerve had saved the White Wings, for the steamer, with motionless paddlewheels, was slipping past, the yacht having cut square across her course.
It was a close shave, and a few white faces looked over the forward starboard rail of the huge steamer.
"If you chaps knew your business you would be at anchor instead of cruising round in this fog," called a hoarse voice from the steamer.