“That must be it,” assented Bill. “Now Tom, get to your lever.”
Bill tackled the wheel with renewed vigor and Tom braced up magically. At all events, he reflected, the Olivia had not yet gone down. They would be in time for a rescue. The heavy wind, the pelting rain, the erratic gyrations of the launch, were as nothing to him now. The thought that he might be able to save precious human lives inspired him with courage.
A second rocket sailed through the mist-laden air a few minutes later. Bill, in high animal spirits, amid his excitement kept shouting out like a schoolboy driving a bicycle.
“Go it! Whoop-la! There’s a dive for you! Beats automobiling!”
“Hurrah!” broke in Tom.
“She’s there,” echoed Bill.
“Yes, the Olivia at last,” cried Tom.
Veering slightly to southeast, the launch came in sight of the bobbing ship’s lights. One, a bulkhead reflector, was quite clear and guiding.
“Go cautiously now, Bill,” warned our hero.
“I’ll give you speed signals,” responded Bill. “One—two, slow up.”