There was no need of urging. The sailors bent to their oars, and, guided by the searchlight which flooded the water ahead of them with its radiance, rapidly reached the stern of the vessel.
There was a ladder there, and, aided by willing hands outstretched to them, the Radio Boys and the other occupants of the boat clambered to the deck.
An officer, clad in the uniform of a United States naval lieutenant, stood at the head of the ladder, and greeted them heartily as they came on board.
CHAPTER XI
AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
“Got to you in time!” the officer exclaimed, in tones of deep satisfaction. “Was beginning to wonder whether we could find you in this fog.
“Mr. Porter,” he continued, turning to an ensign who stood near by, “take these people into the engine room and let them get thoroughly dried out. Then give them a good hot meal and see that they have comfortable sleeping quarters. The captain will have a talk with them in the morning.”
The ensign saluted and led the way to the engine room. The boys followed, their hearts full of relief and elation. Now that the strain was over, they realized how cold and wet and hungry they were. But they were alive, and life was sweet—never so sweet as now when they thought of how near they had come to losing it.
“If only we were sure that Mr. Strong had been picked up, we’d have nothing left to ask for,” observed Bob, anxiously.
“I guess with so many boats about, he’s certainly been rescued,” said Joe, with cheery optimism. “By the way, he has your watch.”
“Sure enough,” answered Bob. “But I was thinking only of him just then.”