"Find out what you can about it, Mr. Swift."
"Yes, sir."
Eric ran down to the wireless room.
"Acts like a man who doesn't know much about wireless, sir. I'm sure, sir, that it couldn't be the operator, not even on a tramp steamer. There's hardly an amateur who would make such a mess of it," said the operator.
"What does he say?" asked Eric. "Can't you get word to him?"
"No, sir. That's what's puzzling me. I've called and called, and he pays no attention."
"Do you suppose your sending apparatus is in good order?"
"Yes, sir," the operator replied. "Working perfectly. There's two or three other ships calling the Kirkmore, and she doesn't answer them either. I've talked to most o' them, sir."
"Who's the nearest?"
"We seem to be nearest to the ship, sir," said the operator, "but the Lucania is the nearest to the boats. They seem quite a bit to the south'ard."