While Darrin struggled cautiously his mind worked fast.
It would have been easy enough to choke Page into insensibility, but that would cause the unreasoning midshipman to open his mouth, insuring his drowning.
Suddenly Dave saw his chance! He made up his mind at once.
Swiftly moving his free hand back, he struck Page on the forehead with his clenched fist.
At that moment, Page began to fight harder to keep them both down.
But Darrin struck him again on the head with his fist.
The injured midshipman now collapsed, senseless.
Cautiously though swiftly Dave freed himself, got a left hand grip on the collar of Page's blouse, and with his right hand struck out for the surface.
His feet aided. With joy Dave saw the water overhead growing lighter and lighter. Then his face shot up into the life-giving air.
Darrin took in a great gulp of it, then turned to make sure that the unconscious Page's mouth was above water.
Close at hand one of the sailboats of the fleet was bearing down upon them.