"There's trouble ahead," he said. "Call Mr. Higgins, and all hands--call
them quickly. We are close upon an iceberg."
The first officer and all hands were quickly on deck, ready to obey
orders. Every eye on board was now watching in the direction of the
light.
"It's an iceberg, and a big one, too, Mr. Higgins. If she strikes it,
there's an end of us!" said Captain Bottom, addressing the first
officer, who seemed indifferent to the danger that threatened the ship.
A rustling noise, as of strong tide-rips breaking ahead, was heard, the
sound increasing every minute. The braces were now manned, the order to
"go about" given, and the helm put down. But the ship had hardly begun
to gather headway on the other tack, when she refused to obey her helm.
It seemed, indeed, as if she was under the influence of a powerful
attraction, drawing her to destruction.
Another minute and she struck with a deep, crashing sound, that made
every timber in her frame vibrate, so great was the shock. A gleam of
grey light now began to spread over the fearful scene.
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