Fortunately, however, owing to Dan Davis' timely warning, the ship had drifted very slowly on the sand bar. Had it not been for that warning the battleship would have dashed full speed into the shoal water, where she would have stuck fast for many a day, even if she did not in the end prove a total loss.
"We seem to be fast and hard, sir," announced the executive officer.
"I am afraid we are, Coates. It's too bad. How's the tide?"
"About at the turn now, sir."
"Is she making any headway astern?"
"I'll ascertain, sir. Chains, there!"
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Is she going astern any?"
"She is standing still, sir. She hasn't moved."
"Keep your lead line out. Sing out the instant the ship begins to go astern," ordered the captain.