“Let’s see if we can’t tie fast to the wreckage before we do anything else,” said Jack. “We don’t want it to float off on the other side of the yacht.”
Their fears forgotten for the moment, the two cousins set to work and soon found a long line which might answer their purpose. They cast this line out as far as they could, not once, but many times, and at last had the satisfaction of seeing it caught by Fred and the old sailor. Then to the light line they attached a fair-sized hawser, and this was speedily hauled down to the wreckage, which in a few moments more bumped into the side of the steam yacht and was secured there.
“Gee, I’m glad to be over here!” cried Fred. “Hurry up! Help me get Andy and Small aboard. Is there anybody alive on the yacht?”
“We don’t know what’s aboard yet,” answered Jack, anxiously. “We’re hearing all sorts of strange sounds. Just listen!”
All listened, and suddenly the face of Ira Small took on a knowing look.
“By gum! I know what this craft is,” he exclaimed. “I’ve heard of her before. She’s a menagerie ship!”
CHAPTER XVII
ANIMALS, BIRDS AND SNAKES
“A menagerie ship?” queried Randy.
“That’s it, lad. Those must be wild animals you hear. An’ mebby some monkeys,” added the lanky sailor, listening to the roaring and chattering. “Are any of ’em loose?”