But the boatman persisted in getting up close to the houseboat.

All at once what Harriet had feared did happen.
The launch was picked up on a heavy swell and hurled against the houseboat.

There followed the sound of crunching woodwork.

The launch began to fill with water.
"Jump!" shouted Captain Harriet.

"You're sinking." The boatman clung to his craft a moment longer, then leaped into the lake.