How could a frail craft like the _Sword_ defend itself against the attacks of Ker Karraje's powerful machine?
Lieutenant Davon turned to me and said: "Go back to the compartment where Thomas Roch is and shut yourself in.

I will close the after-door.

There is just a chance that if the tug rams us the water-tight compartments will keep us up." After shaking hands with the lieutenant, who was as cool as though we were in no danger, I went forward and rejoined Thomas Roch.

I closed the door and awaited the issue in profound darkness.
Then I could feel the desperate efforts made by the _Sword_ to escape from or ram her enemy.

I could feel her rushing, gyrating and plunging.