He was interrupted by a shattering jar that made the ship stagger. It was accompanied by a crashing explosion.
Uttering a cry of fright Mrs. Launce sprang to her feet.
"Can that be—" she began.
"Yes, madam, a torpedo," Dave replied, rising more slowly. "It was evidently a hard hit, but this twenty-eight-hundred-ton ship should remain afloat at least half an hour, unless another torpedo be launched. There is plenty of time. Will you permit me?"
There were life-belts at hand. Dave quickly and deftly fastened Mrs. Launce's life-belt about her, then performed a similar office for her husband. This done he went to his recent cabin, where he donned his own belt and stepped out on the deck, joining his fellow passengers.
Struck on the port side, just forward of her boilers, the "Rigsdak" was already listing considerably to that side.
"The captain and the first officer are below," hailed Dr. Valpak. "They will examine the ship's injuries and decide. It may not be necessary to abandon ship."
Mrs. Launce turned to Darrin, who had just turned back from the port rail. She looked at him so imperatively that he nodded and replied:
"We shall have to take to the boats. This ship is not going to float. Her pumps will not save her, for the hole in the side is beyond temporary repairs."
Within two or three minutes Captain Kennor and his mate appeared, confirming Dave's verdict.