With a great crash the mizzen mast went over the side, crushing one of the lifeboats that hung on davits there.
"What has happened?" yelled Mr. Tarbill, rushing up on deck.
"The Eagle is wrecked," replied the captain, speaking calmly, though only a sailor could know what anguish the words cost him.
CHAPTER XVII
ADRIFT IN SMALL BOATS
The scene was now one of wild excitement. The sailors were working like Trojans to launch the boats, as it could not be told when the Eagle would founder. Already she was settling in the water.
For once Mr. Tarbill seemed too stunned to know what to do. Bob made up his mind to save a few of his own possessions if he could, and he hurried to his berth.
"Put on a life-preserver, Bob," called the captain to him. The boy thought of the time when this order had been given before, but not needed. Now there was real cause for it.
"Oh, Bob! Help me!" pleaded Mr. Tarbill, who was trembling with terror.
"I will. If there's anything valuable in your cabin, you'd better get it out."