Worse was to follow, much worse--a report from the engine-room that the pumps had choked and the water risen over the gratings.
From this moment, about 4 A.M., the engine-room became the centre of interest.

The water gained in spite of every effort.

Lashley, to his neck in rushing water, stuck gamely to the work of clearing suctions.

For a time, with donkey engine and bilge pump sucking, it looked as though the water would be got under; but the hope was short-lived: five minutes of pumping invariably led to the same result--a general choking of the pumps.
The outlook appeared grim.

The amount of water which was being made, with the ship so roughly handled, was most uncertain.