"Mr. Somers orders me to report that there's a little trickle of water coming in between two plates about twelve feet abaft of the bow, sir. But Mr. Somers believes that, even without pumping, we could run forty miles without serious danger, sir."
Knowing his friend's ability and good judgment as he did, Jack Benson stood ready to accept that report, without question. But Lieutenant Danvers inquired:
"Did you see the leak, Ewald?"
"Yes, sir."
"What do you think about it?"
"Why, sir, I agree with Mr. Somers."
"I believe I'll go down and take a look at the leak," announced Danvers, slowly.
"Then, while you're gone," said Benson, "I'll keep the searchlight steadily on what I can see of the top of that mast-stump."
"Why not keep on in toward the shore?"
"Because, sir," and Jack's jaws snapped, "if we've been insulted in this fashion by an old derelict, I don't believe in letting the old derelict get off so easily, sir."