Captain Billy knew the danger even before the boats met. The crash of the collision was still in their ears when he called to Tom.
“Take the wheel,” he cried, “and keep the Queen headed for the beach. Don’t change the course.”
Then he leaned over the speaking tube to the engine room.
“Captain Billy speaking,” he shouted. “A speed boat just hit us. Full speed ahead until we ground on the sandy beach.”
They could feel the Queen trembling as the crowd on the lower deck rushed forward toward the scene of the accident.
“The fools, the fools,” muttered Captain Billy as he ran from the pilot house.
The leader of the band ran forward.
“Get back and play,” ordered the captain. “Play anything loud.”
A deck hand, racing up from below, met Captain Billy at the head of the stairs.
“They knocked a hole clear through us,” he gasped. “We’re taking water fast.”