Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/316

 to the steamer. Like a shot she was flung far from the side of the Wilmington. The men on the Iroquois, waiting to slide down into the lifeboat, were left stranded on the deck of the sinking vessel.

“Pull her back,” roared the executive officer.

The men in the lifeboat bent to their oars, but they were only merchant sailors, and knew little  about handling oars. They were utterly unable to sweep the lifeboat up against the wind. Though they pulled hard, the craft was driven steadily farther and farther away in the darkness. In a moment it was lost to sight.

“Quick!" cried Mr. Harris. “Over with your life rafts.” The sailors leaped to the rafts and slid them over the rail into the sea.

“After them,” shouted the executive officer. “It’s your last chance. She'll sink in a minute. Catch your rafts and swim away, or the suction will take you down.”

Into the sea went the sailors, leaping from the Wilmington’s rail far, far out into the heaving waters. In a moment only Henry and his commander were left.

“Over with you, Harper,” ordered the executive officer. “Try to get to one of the rafts.”

Henry looked out over the side of the ship. All was inky darkness. The Iroquois could be seen coming on apace, but she was still one thou