The noise of the machinery ceased; the Glarus slid through the still water, moving only by her own decreasing momentum.
Hardenberg sang, "Stand by!" and called down the tube to the engine-room.
"What's up?"
I was standing close enough to him to hear the answer in a small, faint voice:
"Shaft gone, sir."
"Broke?"
"Yes, sir."
Hardenberg faced about.
"Come below. We must talk." I do not think any of us cast a glance at the Other Ship again. Certainly I kept my eyes away from her. But as we started down the companion-way I laid my hand on Strokher's shoulder. The rest were ahead. I looked him straight between the eyes as I asked:
"Were you asleep? Is that why you saw her so suddenly?"