Part 18 (1/2)

Tom Swift saw the craft ale-sized motor boat, quite some distance out from shore, and there was no other craft near it at this time From the quick, first view Tom and Ned had of it, they decided that a party of excursionists were on a pleasure trip

But that an accident had happened, and that trouble, if not, indeed, danger, was i inventor and the other occupant of the swiftlyairshi+p

For as To all noise on his craft, they could di from the water craft below them

”Help! Help!” ca up to Toh it is doubtful if his voice was heard Sound does not seeh To scarcely any noise, save that caused by the rush of wind through the struts and wires, there was so ine which was going, that To callto do, Tom?” asked Ned, ”You can't land on the water!”

”I know it; worse luck! If I only had the hydroplane, noe could ht beside the other boat and take 'em all off But, as it is, I'll have to land as near as I can and then ill look for a boat to go out to them in”

Ned sahat Toe, level field, suitable for a landing place for the craft of the air At least it looked to be a suitable place, but Toed to take a chance on that This field sloped down to the beach of the lake, and as Ned and his chum came nearer to earth they could see several boats on shore, though no persons were near theone to the rescue

Tom cast a rapid look across the sheet of water, to make sure his services were really needed The motor boat was lower in the lake now, and was, undoubtedly, sinking And no other craft was near enough to render help Though distant whistles, see craft, told of help on the way

”Hold fast, Ned!” cried Tom, as they neared the earth ”We may bump!”

But Tom Sas too skillful a pilot to cause his craft to sustain much of a crash He ,” and there would have been no unusual shaking, except for the fact that the field was a bit bumpy, and the craft more heavily laden than usual

”Good work, To inventor having sent her around in a half circle so that she now faced the lake Then Toles and helmets as they ran to the shore where there were several rowboats moored

”And a little old-fashi+oned naphtha launch! By all that's lucky!” cried Tom ”I didn't think they made these any more If she only works now!”

There was a little dock at this point on the lake, and the boats appeared to be held at it for hire But no one was in charge, and Tom and Ned made free hat they found They considered they had this right in the eency

The naphtha launch was chained and padlocked to the dock, but using an oar Tom burst the chain

”Get one of the rowboats and fasten it to the back of the launch!” Tom directed Ned ”I don't believe this craft will hold the boat--for it was only too plainly sinking now

”All right!” voiced Ned ”I'ine to work?”

”She's hu now,” announced Tohis hand

Naphtha engines are a trifle treacherous

A few asoline craft could have been gotten under way, To the small launch out and away from the dock, and toward the craft whence came the faint calls for help Behind thee rowboat

Tom speeded the naphtha craft to its lier, it was a fast boat In less ti inventor and his chum were near the boat that was no in the water--so low, in fact, that her rail was all but awash

”Oh, take us out! Save us!” screairls

”Take it easy now,” advised Toet back in the rowboat and bring that alongside--on the other side We'll take you all in,” he added

”Girls first!” called Ned sternly, as he saw one young fellow about to scrareed the skipper of the disabled craft ”Hit a sub,” he explained to Tom, as the work of rescue proceeded