“What’s the matter now?” cried Mr. Raynor apprehensively, as the launch began to drift downstream in a helpless way.
“Wait a minute. I’ll see,” cried Rob, and then the next instant, “The driving chain has snapped!”
“Throw out the anchor before we drift any more,” cried Mr. Mainwaring.
This was done and then Rob set about making an investigation. As he had declared, the driving chain, which drove the stern wheel just as a bicycle sprocket is revolved, had parted in the middle. Undoubtedly the strain that had been placed on it when they were backing the launch off had proved too much for its strength.
They regarded the accident with some dismay.
“Great Scotland! That means we are stuck,” exclaimed Merritt.
“Unquestionably, unless we can make some repairs,” admitted Mr. Mainwaring.
“Do you think you can fix it, Rob?” asked Mr. Raynor.
“I might manage to make a temporary link out of wire,” replied Rob, “but I’m afraid it wouldn’t hold long against the current.”
“Isn’t there a spare chain in the tool locker?” asked Merritt.