The cries continued, but it was so black they could see next to nothing.
What happened in the next few minutes the Rover boys could scarcely tell, afterward.

An effort was made to get out a life-boat, and it disappeared almost as soon as it left the side, carrying some sailors with it.

Then some red-fire blazed up, lighting up the tragic scene, and revealing a schooner standing close by the steamer.

The sailing vessel had her bowsprit broken and part of her forward rail torn away.
"If we must die, let us die together!" said Dick, and they kept together as well as they could.

Old Jerry was with them, and said he would do all he could for them.