His words were not needed. The launch’s crew understood the peril as well as he. One old sailor exclaimed to his mates:
“It’s the ship in five minutes or Davy Jones’ locker forever, boys. There’ll be a living gale down on us in a jiffy. If ye love life break your backs.”
A fresh spurt—made against an increasing sea—followed this admonition. One of the oars cracked ominously and it was speedily cast aside. There were spare ones, and the progress of the boat suffered little.
Clif, Joy and Trolley labored like heroes. They were inexperienced in the ways of the weather, but they realized that their position was one of great danger. All three were cool, however.
“It make good incident for book I am going to write on navy,” said the Japanese youth. “I like this. It plenty fun.”
“You would laugh in a cyclone or dance in a burning crater,” remarked Joy, with a grim chuckle. “If all Japs are as brave as——”
“Back oars!” suddenly interrupted the lieutenant. “Back for your——”
Crash!
High above the whistling of the wind came the grinding of shattered timbers and the startled cries of a score of excited men. Then came a series of quick splashes, more shouts, and finally one long appealing cry for help.