“When we going?” asked the Chief.
“Right away. Say, Martin, you take some men and go on deck and stand by while we go astern.”
Martin left the salon. “Are you going to be able to handle the engines all right?” asked Evans, turning to the Chief.
“I think so. What’re you going to do, go half speed astern?”
“Full speed, I think. Depends how tight we are. Come on, Bervick.”
Someone had tacked pieces of canvas over the broken windows in the wheelhouse. “Handle the telegraph for me,” said Evans.
“O.K.” Bervick looked out the window and saw Martin with several deckhands. They were standing on the bow, waiting. Lieutenant Hodges was also on the forward deck.
Evans maneuvered the wheel for several moments. “Ring Stand By,” he said at last. Bervick set the markers on Stand By. The Chief rang back quickly.
“Slow Astern,” said Evans.
Bervick rang the engine room again. The regular throbbing of the engines began. The ship creaked and shifted slightly.