“Half Speed Astern,” said Evans, his hands clutching the wheel tightly.
Bervick rang for Half Speed. The ship trembled. There was a ripping sound as they began to move from between the rocks. “There goes the guardrail,” said Bervick.
“Full Speed Astern,” said Evans.
Bervick set the markers on Full Speed. “Here we go,” he said.
The ship, with much groaning as pieces of wood were torn from the bow, moved away from the rocks.
Evans swung the wheel hard to port. There was a suspended instant and then the bow splashed off the rocks. The ship rolled uncertainly for a moment. Then they were free.
“Cut the engines,” said Evans.
The ship drifted away from shore.
“So far so good,” said Evans. “Give her Slow Ahead.” As the ship moved ahead Evans swung the bow out to sea.
“Now we can wait,” he said.