Part 33 (2/2)

”When we _do_ return,” returned Jack, gloomily.

”Oh, we're bound to be picked up--sooner or later,” declared Walter.

”Mostly later,” went on Jack, more gloomily.

”Well, here goes for another try,” said Dray.

”That's right. Maybe the machine has just been giving us a try-out,”

suggested Ed. ”We certainly have said mean things about you, old Mote!”

he went on sarcastically. ”Kindly forgive us and go. 'See by moonlight 'tis 'most midnight, time boat and us were home hour-and-a-half ago,'”

he said, quoting from the old nursery rhyme.

But the motor only coughed and sighed and wheezed like an old man with the asthma, and the boat still drifted.

They called, they blew on the compressed air whistle until all the reserve supply of oxygen was exhausted from the tank, and then they had to resort to their voices again.

”Well, there's one thing left,” answered Jack, tragically.

”What is it?” begged Ed.

”We can swim for it. That's better than being carried out to sea.

Let's swim before it is too late.”

”That's what I say!” exclaimed Dray. ”Let the _Dixie_ go--she's no good!”

The others were considering Jack's startling proposal, when Ed looked up, and exclaimed:

”Hark! Don't you hear something?”

The others listened. Faintly from the direction of the sea came a sound--unmistakable.

”A boat!” cried Jack. ”I'll not take off my coat yet.”

”A motor boat, too,” added Ed.

”And coming this way,” went on Walter.

”Come on, fellows, give 'em a hail!” suggested Dray.

Up to now, with all their shouting and blowing of the whistle, they had neither seen nor heard of a craft. They had drifted too far out.

If any had come within hearing distance the occupants had paid no heed to the calls for help. Now there was one approaching, that was evident.

”All together, now!” called Jack, and they united their voices in a shout.

”There are her lights!” called Dray.

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