As Mr. Gaskette reached the pilot-house there was a commotion there, and it
was evident to him that something unlooked for had occurred. He glanced at
the two cutters; but they were all right, and were steadily making their
way to the locality of the wreck.

"The wreck is going down, sir!" exclaimed Bangs with startling energy just
before the second officer reached the door.

"It is all up with that craft!" added Twist, the other quartermaster.

Captain Ringgold said nothing, but calmly surveyed the men who were now
struggling in the water. They seemed to be all able to swim; but it was a
closer call than they had had before. The two cutters appeared to be their
only possible salvation, and they were still at a considerable distance
from the scene of peril.

It was a terribly exciting and harrowing spectacle; but the commander
looked as impassable as ever. He rang the gong for the ship to go ahead;
and Mr. Gaskette wondered what he intended to do, though he was not left
more than a moment in suspense.




CHAPTER V

THE TITLED GENTLEMEN OF THE TRAVANCORE


The first and second cutters of the Guardian-Mother were struggling bravely