The
elemental forces had donned the black cap of the judge and sentenced
them to speedy destruction.
Mr. Boyle pursed his lips; he looked sideways at Courtenay.
"Huh," he said. "What's to be done?"
"I propose," answered the captain, coolly, "to endeavor--"
It was then that the giant wave leaped madly over the poop, as though
the sea were resolved to swallow its prey without further warning. The
second officer, outside on the bridge, had to cling to a stanchion for
his life. Courtenay and Boyle saw two boats wrenched from their davits
and carried overboard, while a bulkhead forward was smashed into
matchwood. The half-caste quarter-master at the wheel muttered
"Madonna!" and tried to remember a prayer.
"I propose," continued Courtenay, raising his voice so that the other
might hear, "to give the ship steering-way by hoisting the foresail.
Will you see to it? Then I intend to warn the passengers, and make
such preparations as are possible before we strike."
"Huh," agreed Mr. Boyle. He took the short cut over the rails. In a
few seconds the captain heard a flow of ornate Spanish, and he knew
that Mr.
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