But at the companionway he was stopped.
“No one allowed on deck,” said the man in charge of the stairs. “There is no danger, sir.”
“What did we strike?”
“Struck a small freight schooner, and carried away her bow.”
“Did she sink?”
“Oh, no. But we are steaming near her so as to be on the safe side.”
This news was heard by every one who stood around, and its effect was to quiet the fearful ones. Many wondered if the schooner was seriously damaged, and if she would be able to continue her voyage.
It is safe to say that there was little or no sleep that night for those on board the steamer. Towards morning the storm cleared off, and the sun rose bright as ever.
“Well, I never!” declared Gus. “The scene has changed as quickly as it does in a panorama!”
Now that the dreadful rolling had ceased, he felt better, and Oliver was glad to see him indulge in a fair-sized breakfast.