“Can’t they see our lights!” cried Jerry. “Oh, if only the search light was going!”
“We’re too low down, lad. I’m afraid we’re done for. If we could only forge ahead a bit! If the engine was only running!”
It seemed there was no escape. Nearer and nearer came the big ship. It seemed like a monster about to crush the little boat in its path. Once it struck it there would be nothing left of the Dartaway, and the shock to the steamer would be so slight those on board would never notice it.
“If I only had a horn, or something to make a louder noise with!” said Sam, with something like a groan.
“A noise!” almost yelled Bob. “Quick, Jerry! The cannon!”
Jerry made a jump for the brass ordnance. He seized the string. There was a charge in the cannon, put there the day after the races. The boy yanked the lanyard.
Bang!
An explosion roared through the night and echoed over the dark waters.