"Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang clang," interrupted the ship's clock in the pilot-house.
Steve grasped the cord attached to the clapper of the big bell in front of the bridge, giving it six steady jerks.
"Six bells, eleven o'clock. All lights are burning brightly, sir," Rush called in the singsong voice of the sailor.
"Aye, aye," answered the deep voice of the mate from the darkness of the pilot-house.
"Reduce speed to one-half," commanded the captain, in a low voice. He usually gave his commands calmly, no matter how great the stress or emergency. "Do you see anything of that coal carrier, Rush?"
"No, sir; she must be some distance away from us by this time."
"She ought to be, but she isn't."
"May I ask how you know that, sir?"
"I get her smoke."