“Do you know the men, Mr. Perry?”
“Yes, sir, the one who fell was Clemmons, and as he struck the yard Merrill called out to me:
“‘He struck hard, so must be hurt. I will go after him.’ And then he ran out on the yard and made the leap, sir.”
For once discipline was cast to the winds, and such a yell as rose from the midshipmen at this news had never been heard on the good ship before.
But every eye now was upon the life boat, as it went leaping over the seas, and again came a ringing cheer as the executive called out:
“The boat is returning, sir.”
But had those on the boat given up the search in the face of that terrible storm, threatening to break every instant?
Had they found one?
Had they found both?
These questions could not be answered until the boat returned.