aning perhaps the loss of his command,
were he to fail to get his ship off the shoal on which it was grounded.
But he was calm and self-possessed.

For a full moment the screws churned the water, turning it into a sea
of suds astern of the battleship.

"Chains, there!"

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Is she going astern yet?"

"No, sir."

Commanding and executive officer exchanged significant glances.

"It looks as if we were hard and fast, Coates."

"Give her time to get a foothold. The next couple of minutes will tell
the story, sir."

The next few seconds did tell the story that they were waiting to hear
in almost breathless expectancy.

A slight lurch to port occurred. The beating of the engines seemed to
be suddenly subdued.

"Going--astern--sir," sang the man in the chains.

"All clear," bellowed the bow watch.

"Coates, we're off!" said the captain, lifting his cap and wiping the
perspiration from his brow.

The jackies on the after deck set up a great cheer.

"Mr. Navigator, have you got this shoal down on your chart now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Please see that there is no mistake about it. Have you got the ranges
marked on the chart also?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very good. We do not want this thing to happen to us again, or to any
one else. We have been very lucky in getting off so easily."

"Are you going to have the bottom examined?" asked the executive.

"Yes, when we get to the other side of the bay. Quartermaster, head
her east by south one half."

"East by south one half she is. On the mark, sir."

"Hold her there till you get that point of land abeam, then swing."

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Chains, there, keep the lead going."

The ship swung slowly round, then headed away on the new course, which
she followed as the captain had directed. When opposite the point of
land indicated a sharp turn was made, the vessel heading for the
opposite side of the bay.

After half an hour the battleship had arrived at her first anchorage.
At command, engines were stopped. Starboard anchor chains rattled
loudly, sending up a shower of sparks as the anchor shot downward.
Then the ship swung into the tide and came to rest.

"Do you wish the divers to go down now?"

"No; not until later. Have the hold examined, to see if she is leaking
forward and report to me at once."

"Very good, sir," answered the executive, saluting. "Where will you
be--here on the bridge?"

"No; I think I shall go to my cabin and h