Part 24 (1/2)
”Where to?” Mrs Nestor wanted to know
”That's what I can't tell,” was Tom's reply ”I will have to project the wireless operator will 'pick them up,' as they call it, and send us aid”
”But are wireless operators always listening?” asked Mr Nestor
”Somewhere, some of them are--I hope,” was Tom's quiet answer ”As I said, ill have to truststeaers taken off when the operator called for help, e into space”
”But how can we tell them where to come for us--on this unknown island?” inquired Mrs Anderson
”I fancy Captain Mentor can supply our longitude and latitude,”
answered Toe I send out, and help may come--some day”
”It can't come any too quick for me!” declared Mr Da about e for help will you send?” Captain Mentor wanted to know
”I a to use the old call for aid,” was the reply of the young inventor ”I shall flash into space the three letters 'CQD' They stand for 'Coer' A new code call has been instituted for the to rely on the old one, as, in this part of the world, the new one iving our position in the ocean, as nearly as Captain Mentor can figure it out I will repeat this call at intervals until we get help--”
”Or until the island sinks,” added the scientist, grimly
”Here! Don'ton my nerves! We may be rescued before that awful calamity overtakes us”
”I don't believe so,” was Mr Parker's reply, and he actually seelooraphy, Toly, and the other joined in praising the young inventor, until, blushi+ng, he hurried off to make some adjustitude and latitude, Captain Mentor,” asked the millionaire yacht owner
”I think so,” was the reply ”Not very accurately, of course, for all my papers and instruh for the purpose, I fancy I'll get right to work at it, and let Mr Swift have it”
”I wish you would The sooner we begin calling for help the better
I never expected to be in such a predica felloorked out his plan of rescue I hope he succeeds”
It took soure their position, and then it was only approxith he handed Toitude written on it
In theup his apparatus The wires were now all strung, and all that was necessary was to start the athered about the little shack as Tom announced that he was about to flash into space the firstfor help He took his place at the box, to which had been fastened the apparatus for clicking off the Morse letters
”Well, here we go,” he said, with a sers clasped the rude key he had fashi+oned fro away, and the electric dyna cat
Just as Tom opened the circuit, to send the current into the instru of the earth
”Another quake!” screamed Mrs Anderson But it was over in a second, and calmness succeeded the incipient panic
Suddenly, overhead, there sounded a queer crackling noise, a vicious, snapping, as if from some invisible whips
”Mercy! What's that?” cried Mrs Nestor