Jack clung to the steering wheel, and Cora never took her eyes off the engine. But how they whirled and twirled! There was the Dixie! It was keeping near—one good thing. The canoe had broken loose and was soon lost to sight. No one bewailed it; there was too serious work at hand for that.
“Let me look after the gas!” begged Kent of Cora. He was at her elbow, but she had insisted on personally attending to the machine.
“I know it better, perhaps,” she shrieked back, “but stay close. If I cannot manage I will let you know!”
One terrific clap, then a roar sounded in the ears of all, but seemed to paralyze Lottie.
She fell in a heap and lay speechless. Up to this time she had been half sitting in the bottom of the boat.
“She’s struck!” shrieked Belle. Then Cora left the engine to Kent and took charge of the senseless girl.