"We can't make the harbor now," announced the old Yankee. "If we tried it, we may run on the rocks and be smashed to pieces. We'll have to run out." And he threw the yacht over, something that made her dip considerably, and which sent more than one wave rushing over her bow.
The wind now commenced to shriek dismally, and the darkened sky was lit up with distant flashes of lightning, invariably followed by long, low rumbles of thunder.
"I can't see de use uf runnin' into dat storm," piped up Danny Guirk. "If I was runnin' t'ings I'd steer fer de land, dat's wot I would do."
"You be careful, or you'll go overboard—" began Bob, when a yell from Dick interrupted him.
"Here it comes, boys! Hold hard, all of you! My, but isn't it a corker!"
A ripping crack of thunder and a blinding flash of lightning drowned out the last of his words, and then the very heavens appeared to open, to let down a deluge of water that threatened to swamp the gallant yacht. A hurricane of wind followed, and the waves lashed and pounded the craft upon every side.
"By gum!" came suddenly from old Jacob. "Did any of ye see thet, boys?"
"See what?" demanded Don and Dick in a breath.
"The small boat over to starboard. She was bottom side up and somebody was a-clingin' to her!"