"You think she'll go down?" Bob asked.
"No doubt of it. See how she's settling in the bow."
A single glance was enough to convince even a land lubber that the big ship was doomed. Already the deck sloped sharply toward the bow and in addition there was a decided list to port.
"You boys get into this boat," the captain ordered as two sailors swung the last boat in sight over the side. "I must make sure that no one is left behind." And, before they could say a word he was off down the stairway.
There seemed nothing to do but obey his order and they lost no time in climbing into the boat.
"Is this the last one?" Jack asked one of the sailors who was holding on to the rope.
"No, there's three or four more on the upper deck but I reckon we won't need 'em. Most of the crew has gone already."
"Will he have time to make the round of the ship?" Bob asked anxiously.
"Reckon so. The mates are helpin' him. She ought ter hold up another fifteen minutes or so."
"What did we hit?" Jack asked.