“We’re stuck between two rocks inside a reef. We’ve been lucky.”
“When are you going to get us out of here?” The Major was frightened. They were all frightened but the Major showed it more than the others.
“Just as soon as the wind lets up.”
“Is that long?” asked Hodges.
“I don’t know. There’s a first aid kit in the galley locker.” Evans went down the companionway and into the engine room.
Everything looked normal here. The two assistant engineers were checking their numerous gauges and the Chief was oiling a piece of machinery.
“What the hell did you hit?” asked the Chief. He did not seem bothered by what had happened and this annoyed Evans.
“We hit a rock, that’s what we hit. How are the engines?”
“I think they’re all right. The propellers aren’t touching bottom and you can thank God that they aren’t.”
“Will she be able to go astern?”