"Does she move?" asked Ethan, through the speaking-tube which communicated with the engine-room.
"No, she sticks fast," replied Lawry. "Give her a little more of it."
The wheels of the steamer turned rapidly for a moment, and the Woodville slid off the ground into deep water.
"Hurrah!" shouted Lawry, as he rang the bell to stop her. "She's all right now," he added, through the tube.
"Go ahead, then," replied the engineer.
"As soon as I make fast the wherry astern."
Before he went to the wheel-house he sounded the pumps again, and visited the forehold to examine the oilcloth over the aperture in the bow. There was but little water in the well, and the canvas carpet was faithful to its duty. There was nothing to fear, though Lawry couldn't help fearing.
"Are you all ready, Ethan?" called the pilot through the tube.
"All ready; but don't you think we had better hoist the flags, and go over in good style?" responded the engineer.
"Aye, aye."