“That was very carelessly done,” said Mr. Lowington, whose attention had been called to the scene.
“The steamer ran within a couple of rods of the island,” added Captain Cumberland. “I saw the fourth lieutenant order the boat to shove off; I suppose he did it to prevent the swash of the steamer from grinding the cutter on the rocks.”
“What is he doing among those rocks?” asked the principal.
“I don’t know, sir. He landed Mr. Mapps and the doctor, and was ordered to wait for them. I don’t see why he went over to that island.”
The second lieutenant was directed to take charge of the first cutter; Peaks, the adult boatswain, and Bitts, the carpenter, were ordered to go also, to render any assistance which might be required in succoring the stove boat. The cutter shoved off, her twelve oars struck the water together, and the crew gave way with an energy which caused their oars to bend like twigs, while the barge leaped through the water as though it was some monster of the deep goaded to his utmost to escape the wrath of a more potent pursuer.
“With a will, my lads!” shouted the coxswain. “Steady! Keep the stroke, but use your muscle!”
“There’s a job for you, Bitts,” said the boatswain, as the Norwegian took the second cutter in tow.
“And a heavy job it will be, too,” replied Bitts. “I wonder there is anything left of the boat.”
“The steamer stopped her wheels, and backed some time before she struck, or there would not have been much left of the boat, or her crew,” added Peaks. “Thank God, the boys are all safe.”
“It’s a lucky escape for them.”