But that fin over to port was the half-visible upper part of a moving torpedo! It was headed so as to intercept the "Hastings" on her slow, forward course.
If he rang for speed ahead, Captain Jack knew it might not come swiftly enough to carry his boat and its human load ahead to safety.
In any case, it must be a job of seconds. If Hal responded slowly to the signal—then destruction!
All this seemed to flash like lightning through the young commander's head as he made that leap for the wheel.
Somers being in the way, young Benson flung him violently aside.
Captain Jack's left hand grasped a spoke of the steering wheel; his right hand signaled violently for speed astern.
Would Hal respond in time to save them all?
CHAPTER XVIII
THE FINDINGS ON THE "THOR"
It was a breathless moment.