“It’s a steamer!” came from Gif, a minute later. “A steamer! And she’s moving northward.”
“Let’s see if we can’t get close enough to hail her!” cried Jack, eagerly.
Ralph was willing, and soon had the Fancy running at her best rate of speed. Then he took the wheel from Gif, who was steering.
“Maybe I can manage her a little better,” he said. “You know, I’ve had more experience.”
“Go to it, Ralph,” answered Gif, readily. “I never was very much of a sailor.”
Then began a mad race in the direction of the distant steamer. Would they be able to get close enough to signal to those on board?
CHAPTER XIII
A CRASH IN THE DARK
“Are we getting any closer?”
The question came from Randy after at least a quarter of an hour had passed in their eager chase after the distant steamer which was moving slowly, leaving a long trail of black smoke in the air behind it.