He pulled frantically at the oars, but it was too late.

A mast rocked against the sky, a stubby bowsprit shot over the dory, and the little boat, struck broadside on, heeled to the water's edge.

Seth, springing frantically upward, seized the bowsprit and clung to it.

The dory, pushed aside and half full of water, disappeared.

From the deck behind the bowsprit two voices, a man's voice and a woman's, screamed wildly.
Seth did not scream.