“Even so,” came from Bob. “Because they know, or will know soon, that everybody on board was rescued, and that will relieve their worry.”
A troubled look came into the captain’s face.
“I’m not so sure about everybody,” he said slowly. “I was, last night, or of course we would have stayed in the vicinity. But there was some mix-up in the reports. We were told at first that six boats had left the steamer, and when we learned that, counting your party, six boatloads had been picked up, we concluded that our work was done. But a wireless that reached me a little while ago says that there were seven boats, and the seventh had not yet been accounted for.”
A look of consternation came into the faces of the boys.
“I wonder if Mr. Strong could have been in the missing boat,” said Bob, in a voice that shook a little.
“It is possible, of course,” replied the captain. “The names of the rescued have not been checked up fully yet. I have radioed to Washington, offering to return to the scene of the collision, but I have been told that other Government vessels in the vicinity will keep up the search. Likely enough, your friend is among the rescued. I’ll let you know as soon as I have anything definite to tell. Of course, I’ll report your safety right away, and the news will be sent to your people immediately. That will relieve their anxiety. Later I’ll see that you have all facilities for sending your own personal messages.”
“Thanks, very much,” replied Bob. “We’d like to do that as soon as possible.”
“And after that?” pursued Captain Springer, inquiringly.
“After that,” answered Bob, “we’ll do exactly as you say.”
“I suppose I can soon speak some steamer homeward bound and put you on board,” said the captain, half as though speaking to himself.