CHAPTER XVII.
A MISHAP IN THE FOG "We have struck another vessel!" "We are sinking!" "How far are we from land ?" These and other cries rang out through the heavy fog, as the two crashes came, followed, a few seconds later, by a third.
Captain Barforth had left the steam yacht in charge of the first mate and was on the companionway going below.

With two bounds he was on deck and running toward the bow at top speed.
"What was it?
Have we a hole in the bow ?" he questioned, of the frightened lookouts, who had been sent spinning across the slippery deck.
"Couldn't make out, captain--it was something black," said one lookout.

"Black and square like." "I think it was a bit of old wreckage," said the other.

"Anyway, it wasn't another vessel, and it was too dark for a lumber raft." "Is it out of sight ?" It was, and though all strained their eyes they could not make out what had been struck, nor did they ever find out.
From the deck the captain made his way below, followed by Mr.Rover, who was anxious to learn the extent of the injuries.

In the meantime the ladies and girls had joined the boys on the deck, and the latter began to get out the life preservers.
The most excited man on board was Asa Carey, and without waiting for orders from the captain, he ordered two of the small boats gotten ready to swing overboard.