For a full moment the screws churned the water, turning it into a sea of suds astern of the battleship.
"Chains, there!"
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Is she going astern yet?"
"No, sir."
Commanding and executive officer exchanged significant glances.
"It looks as if we were hard and fast, Coates."
"Give her time to get a foothold. The next couple of minutes will tell the story, sir."
The next few seconds did tell the story that they were waiting to hear in almost breathless expectancy.
A slight lurch to port occurred. The beating of the engines seemed to be suddenly subdued.