For a moment the launch seemed to be losing ground rather than gaining, then slowly it began to pick up and shortly after that was making slow progress toward shore.
There were many spectators to that battle, none of whom believed that either launch or houseboat, ever would reach the land.

Other boats refused to venture out in such a gale.

Even the big boats remained tied up.

So much water was taken aboard by the launch that George was fully occupied in bailing.

A piece of oilcloth had been thrown over the engines and battery coils to keep these from getting soaked and thus causing a stoppage of the engine.
For two hours did launch and houseboat labor through the seas, fighting every inch of the way.