"He says he wants a tow for that boat of his," reported the sublieutenant.
"Said it in English, too--seems he knows more than he pretends."
"Missed it, by gad, by just about five minutes!" said the commander
aloud but to himself. "Well--the bargain's made, so it can't be
helped. That boat's sinking! Throw 'em a line, quick!"
The pilot's crew displayed no overdone affection for their craft,
and there was no struggle to the last to leave it. One by one--
whichever could grab the line first was the first to come--they were
hauled through the thundering waves and their boat was left to sink.
Then, before they could adjust their unaccustomed feet to the different
balance of the Puncher's heaving deck, the gongs clanged and the
destroyer leaped ahead like a dripping sea-soused water beetle, into
her utmost speed that instant.
All conscious of his new-won dignity, and utterly regardless of his
boat, the pilot had found the bridge at once. He clung to the rail
there and braced one naked foot against a stanchion. To him the ship's
speed seemed the all-absorbing thing, for either Mr.
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