Down shot the Comet, as Jerry shifted the depression rudder. Down, down, closer and closer to the surface of the ocean, where rolling sluggishly, showing her water-logged condition, was the wrecked steamship. Anxiously the boys looked to see if she should prove to be the craft for which they were looking. She seemed silent and deserted—as though all had fled from her, or had, perhaps, been washed away by the angry sea.
“Stand by to lower the hydroplanes!” called Jerry to Ned and Bob. “We’ll try a landing on them.”
“Is it calm enough?” asked Professor Snodgrass, who had, on hearing of the sighting of the wreck, left his scientific work to give the boys any aid that might be needed.
“Yes, there’s only a gentle swell,” answered the tall steersman. “It will be safe to use the hydroplanes.”
On these the motorship could float, motionless if need be, while the boys investigated the wreck.
“All ready there, Ned?” asked Jerry.
“All ready, old man.”
“Here, Bob, you give me a hand with this wheel. I may have to make a sudden turn in case the wreck drifts too close to us.”
“All right, Jerry,” and the stout lad, who had been in the galley up to the time of sighting the steamer, hurried to the pilot house.