In a flash Jack was after him, pausing only to set the lever that was expected to carry out the hastily signaled orders.
“Hold on, Tom!”
The words snapped out like so many pistol shots.
“But, Jack, we may be damaged! Sinking!”
“That makes no difference; your place is here. Stand by that lever.”
The crisp, incisive tones of his chum’s voice brought Tom out of his panic in a jiffy.
“All right, Jack; which one?”
“That one to the port side. I’ll stand by this.”
With throbbing pulses and strained muscles they waited nervously the next order. But none came. The White Shark shook and quivered as her engines reversed with every ounce of power they possessed; but still she did not move.
Then came another order. This time through the speaking tube: “Drop everything and come forward.”