In the second place, if all three are still swimming, it will be almost out of the question to make out their heads among the huge waves.

You've none of you seen a man overboard before in a big sea ?" Several of the mute, anxious midshipmen shook their heads.
"You'll realize the difficulties of the situation within the next few minutes," remarked the lieutenant.

"I am sorry to crush your hopes for your classmates, but this is all a part of the day's work in the Navy." The largest steam launches from all three of the battleships were being swiftly lowered.

Officers and men were lowered with the launches.

As the launch shoved off from each battleship tremendous cheers followed them.
"Stop all unnecessary noise!" bellowed the watch officer from the bridge of the "Massachusetts." "You may drown out calls for help with your racket." While the three battleships went back over their courses in more stately fashion, the launches darted here and there, until it seemed as though they must cover every foot within a square mile.
"I don't see how they can help finding the three," Farley declared hopefully.
"That is," put in another third classman, "if any of the three are still afloat." "Stow all talk of that sort," ordered Farley angrily.
Other midshipmen joined in with their protests.