Suddenly a terrific crash sounded directly beneath the cabin floor. The stern seemed to lift bodily into the air. A shudder ran through the fabric. Again the boys fell to the deck.
CHAPTER X
SHIPWRECK AND RESCUE
Above the noises of the tempest and the straining timbers sounded cries from the deck that told of confusion amongst the crew. Von Kluck’s hoarse voice was bawling out orders mixed with great sea oaths. He was driving the men to some duty.
The tramping of feet above the boys sounded for a moment, then ceased. Judging from the sounds they thought the men had gathered in the waist of the vessel. Puzzled, they looked at each other in fear.
“What’s up?” inquired Jimmie, attempting to rise to his feet.
Ned steadied himself at the table as he tried to peer out of the little skylight overhead. He could see nothing.
“We just about struck something!” declared Jimmie.