Holding her close as possible he pushed into the fighting mob closely followed by Jack.
"Way for the lady," he shouted pushing a big Swede aside.
With a snort of anger the man aimed a blow for Bob's head but he saw it coming in time to duck and the next instant he had planted a beautiful right, with all his strength behind it, on the point of the Swede's chin. The man went down as though a sledge hammer had struck him and, for an instant, the crowd gave way enabling them to reach the captain's side. A boat was just being lowered and, as Bob spied an empty seat close up by the bow, he shouted:
"There's room for one more there, Captain."
"All right, but hurry," the captain cried.
Both boys helped the girl over the side into the boat and, a moment later she vanished as it quickly slid down to the water.
There had been a moment's pause in the mad struggle for a place in the boats but now, as another was swung over the side, the rush began again.
"Back, you men. Women and children first," the captain again shouted waving his revolver.
"I've as mooch right ter save my life as a woman," shouted a big German as he reached for the side of the swinging boat.
"Not on this boat, you haven't," Bob yelled as he seized the man by the coat collar and yanked him back.