“Have they asked for assistance?” questioned the executive officer.
“No, sir. I have seen no signals in some time.”
“Not since the diver went overboard?”
“Not since they made signal that the mine had been located.”
“What do you think about it, Coates?” asked the captain, peering through his own glasses, now and then catching a glimpse of the boats through the mist of white spray that enveloped them.
“Two men missing from the wherry, sir,” called the quartermaster, with no trace of excitement.
“Steamer number one!” roared Lieutenant Commander Coates, the executive officer.
“Aye, aye, sir,” came the answer, borne faintly on the gale.
“Cast off and proceed full speed to the assistance of boats on the mine field.”
The steamer’s crew needed no urging to leap to their work. Some of their comrades were in distress. Lines were cast off, boat hooks were quickly thrust against the side of the ship to prevent the little steamer from being dashed to pieces against it.