"Torpedo under way," wig-wagged Dan Davis to the other boats. "Get under way, the battleship signals," he told the little fleet.
At the same time the motor boat started along the course that the torpedo was expected to follow, the small steamer a little in the lead.
"She's running close to the surface," muttered the Battleship Boy, watching the projectile. "I can see the water spurting from her bows. She'll never complete the run."
He turned to look at the steamer. He observed that she was at right angles to the course.
"Sheer off! Sheer off!" shouted Dan. "You're right on the course. You'll be hit!"
"We're disabled. Motor boat, there!" shouted the ensign in the small steamer.
"Aye, aye, answered Dan.
"Lay over and help us out. We've thrown our propeller."
"Full speed ahead. May I take the tiller?"
The acting coxswain good-naturedly stepped aside, Dan taking the steering wheel of the motor boat from his hands.