Part 4 (1/2)

The spark writhed and squealed and glared with a lambent blue flame as it leaped like a serpent of fire between the points.

But even above its loud, insistent voice calling into the tempest-ridden night could be heard the deep, quick breathing of Jarrold as he leaned forward to catch every move of the young operator's fingers.

”This is the _Endymion_,” came again.

”Yes! Yes!” flashed back Jack.

”Have you a pa.s.senger named Jarrold on board?”

Jack's heart and pulses gave a bound. Jarrold was leaning forward till his bristling chin almost touched Jack's cheek. The man's hand stole back toward his hip pocket and stayed there.

”Yes, what do you want with him?”

”We-have-a-message-for him,” came the halting reply.

Jack's fingers were on the key to reply when the quick, harsh voice of Jarrold came in his ear.

”That's the _Endymion_. No monkey business now. Send what I tell you.

I--”

There was a sudden blinding flash from the instruments and a blaze of blue, hissing fire filled the wireless room.

Jarrold and the young wireless man staggered back, their hands flung across their faces to s.h.i.+eld their eyes from the scorching glare. It was all over in an instant-just one flash and that upheaval of light.

”The aerials have gone!” cried Jack.

He darted from the wireless room, leaving Jarrold alone, a look of frustrated purpose in his eyes.

CHAPTER VI

A DARING FEAT

Out along the wet and slippery decks, spray-dashed and awash, rushed the boy. He was headed for the bridge. He found the first officer, Mr.

Metcalf, on duty.

The officer was shrouded in gleaming oil-skins and sou'wester. Spray glistened on his cheeks and big mustache as the dim light from the binnacle revealed his features. Ahead of them Jack could make out dimly the big, plunging forepart of the s.h.i.+p as it rushed up a water mountain with glowing phosph.o.r.escent head, and then with a swirling roar went sliding down the other side.

”Well, Ready, what's the trouble?” boomed out Mr. Metcalf good-naturedly. ”You seem excited.”

”Yes, sir. I've just had a message.”

The officer was alert in a moment.

”A vessel in distress?”

”No, sir. Although--”