Two sailboats were now engaged in the work of rescue, and a third was heading for Mr. Salisbury and his engineer.
In almost no time, it seemed, Dave and Page, and their supporters, were hauled into one of the boats.
"Give Mr. Page first aid for the injured—quick!" urged Dave, almost in a whisper. "He has gone close to being drowned."
Hardly had he spoken the words when Darrin's own eyes closed.
The strain had been too much for him.
When the steam launches came up, Dave and Page, as well as the other drenched fourth class men, were transferred, and fast time was made back to the dock.
Mr. Salisbury and his engineer were also taken back by steam power. The owner of the launch had a most satisfactory explanation to offer.
He and his engineer had both believed that they had abundant room in which to clear the sailboat. When, at last, they had tried their helm, it was found that the steering gear had broken. There was no way in which to change the course of the motor boat in time. The reversing gear was promptly used, but it was impossible to stop headway and dart back before the collision came.
It was accident, and that was all there was to it. Yet, had it not been for Darrin's prompt judgment, and the cool conduct of some of the members of his crew, there might easily have been some fatalities to report among the midshipmen.
As it was, nothing but Darrin's splendid conduct had saved Midshipman
Page from speedy death by drowning.
Dave opened his eyes on his way back to Annapolis. Page, however though he was "pumped dry" of the water that he had involuntarily swallowed, remained in a stupefied condition all the way back.