The Comet was once more dropped to the surface of the sea, and the boys got out their lines. They had pretty good luck, and a fish dinner was a certainty. Of course, the professor only tried for his prize, but he did not get it.
Bob was just landing a large fish, and was giving all his energy to it, when the attention of Ned and Jerry was attracted to a large steamer, which was rapidly approaching them. They had not noticed her creeping up on the horizon.
“She seems to be heading this way,” observed Ned.
“Yes; maybe she wants to see what sort of a craft we are, fellows,” said Jerry.
Suddenly there came a puff of smoke, a dull flash, and a booming sound came over the water.
“They’re firing at us!” cried Bob, who had landed his fish.
“No; I think it’s a signal,” remarked Jerry, who had observed closely, and had not seen a projectile bounding over the wave crests. “They may take us for a wreck, and want us to know that we’re going to be saved.”
This, as they learned later, was the reason for the shot. On came the steamer, and soon it was within hailing distance. The rails were lined with curious passengers, many of whom were taking snap-shots of the Comet, as she rested lightly on the water. On the steamer’s bridge were the captain and a number of officers.
“What sort of a craft are you, and what are you doing?” came the hail through a megaphone.
“The Comet, of Cresville,” returned Jerry.