The "Burster" is almost abreast.

The enraged Kentuckians gather round the captain, and, in fury, ask--"Why don't you put more weight on ?" CAPTAIN--"Boilers are done; can't bear it nohow." KENTUCKIANS--"Can't bear it?
You chicken-hearted coward--" Knives are drawn, pistols click, a hundred voices exclaim, "Get on it yourself, or I'll bury this knife below your outer skin." Their eyes gleam--their hands are raised for the deadly blow.

Wild boys, these Kentuckians; the captain knows it too well.

A choice of deaths is before him; excitement decides--he mounts the breach.

The "Screecher" shoots through the waters, quivering from head to stern.