The blow made Tom see stars and he was more dazed than ever.
"Le--let up!" he gasped, but Baxter continued to crowd him against the rail, which at this point was very weak because of the collision with the steamer.

Suddenly there was a snap and a crack and the rail gave way.

Baxter leaped back in time to save himself from falling, but Tom could not help himself, and, with a wild cry, he went overboard!.