The plight of the hapless steamer could not be disguised.

Even the most ignorant passenger knew that the wrecked engines could not be repaired or compounded.

They knew that the Doraine was completely paralysed.

The power to move at will was for ever lost, the force that had driven her resistlessly along the chosen path was still.

The powerful propellers were idle, the huge stern-post wrenched so badly that the rudder was useless.