Thud! Plash!
A heavy wave had struck the bows, and the spray came hissing and rushing along the deck after deluging the ship forward.
“I’m certain that my poor fish will all be killed by the salt water, Dale,” whispered Mr Preddle, but I only made an impatient movement, for I was trying to hear what Mr Brymer whispered to the doctor, who did not hear the remark, and said—
“What?”
“I say that was bad steering, and if I were in command, there would be a row.”
Thud! Splash!
This time the water must have curled over in a perfect deluge, for we could hear it hiss and roar amongst the cordage on the leeward side, and stream out of the scuppers.
“That must fetch him up if he is below,” whispered Mr Brymer, and sure enough the next moment we heard his voice shouting furiously at the men at the wheel, though we could hardly make out a word he said.
“Look out! Here he comes!”
“To the wheel, not here,” said Mr Frewen. “Shall we—”