A Ship in Distress
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stood tense, waiting the outcome. But the boatswain had an eye for everything. He, too, saw the great comber approaching. Back from the steamer’s side drew the little boat, and the wave passed harmlessly by. Again the surfboat drew up to the side of the Capitol City, and another man detached himself from the rigging and dropped into it. But just at that moment a wave, rising apparently from nowhere, swept over the windward side of the stranded steamer, poured irresistibly across her deck, and sent its tons of icy water crashing downward into the little surfboat lying by the leeward rail. The tiny craft was swept from sight.
“My God!” cried the captain. “They’ve capsized!”
