But the motor boat, too, had received her deathblow.

Ere she had backed off a hundred and fifty feet she began to fill rapidly.
Owner and engineer had only time to adjust life-preservers and leap overboard.

Then the "Duncan" went down.
At the moment of collision there was a crash of spars and a snapping of cordage.

The sailing craft's mast had gone by the board, though not much before the sailboat itself had filled.
Dave himself was pitched headlong.

He sank below the water, but had no fear for himself, for he was wholly at home in the water.
Yet, as he found the water closing over him, Dave Darrin felt a great thrill of terror for others run through him.
"My boat crew is the poorest in the class in swimming!" he gasped, with a throb of agony.