Quickly he gave another signal, and then he rang for full speed astern. But it was too late. With a crash the other vessel was upon him, though the result was different from what might have been expected.
The Mermaid was a steel boat, while the Liberty Bell was an old wooden one. Instead of the bow of the latter crashing into the hull of the passenger steamer, the bow of the freight boat crumpled up like paper, being smashed into kindling wood up as far as the pilot-house, part of which was demolished.
There was a confused ringing of bells and blowing of whistles, and then both vessels came to a stop.
CHAPTER XXV
BUMSTEAD'S ARREST—CONCLUSION
With the first sound of the crash Captain Turton and Mr. Weatherby were out of their berths, and on deck. The searchlight of the Mermaid showed plainly what had occurred. Neither boat was dangerously damaged, the passenger steamer hardly suffering at all.
Captain Turton took this in at a glance, and then, with the assistance of the mates, he quieted the frightened passengers.
"How did it happen, Nat?" asked Mr. Weatherby gravely.
"That fellow went wrong!" exclaimed Nat, in his nervous excitement. "Whoever was steering that boat gave the wrong signals. I'm positive of that. Twice I warned him to keep away, but he kept crowding me closer, until he rammed me. It was his fault."
"There will have to be an investigation," said the pilot. "I'm sorry this happened."