In the meantime Bulke and Wilke had lowered Doctor Wilhelm into the boat.
"That girl down there is giving herself a sore throat screaming for her father," said Bulke.
Frederick decided, cost what it might, to take a look around below deck. Perhaps fortune might favour him; he might discover Hahlström and perhaps Achleitner, too, and help one or both into the boat. There was danger, to be sure, that the boat would put off before he returned.
He had worked his way as far as the unused smoking-room. It was empty. Suddenly Wilke was standing beside him.
"If you're looking for somebody, I'll help," the peasant declared.
The two together descended the rest of the companionway. The space in front of the dining-room was empty and so was the dining-room. It was tilted at an acute angle. A heap of dishes and silverware blocked the doorway.
"Hahlström! Achleitner!" Frederick shouted again and again.
Wilke pushed a short way down the long corridor, on which the cabins gave. But the spot closed off by the rising waters was only too clearly distinguishable.
"Come away, come away!" Frederick cried, and ran. He ran for his life. He ran in wild fear of missing the boat.