“I will find out their plans, and let you know at once. Tell the ladies there is no need of their coming out in the rain until arrangements are made for their comfort.”
Tom clambered up to the dock. He had to answer a dozen questions in one breath for as many excited persons eager for news.
Tom allayed the general suspense by expressing the conviction that all hands had been saved from the wreck. Then he gave full attention to a big man in a raincoat who seemed to be the spokesman of the community.
“Get the ladies to shelter,” this individual ordered those at his side. “We can find room for a couple of them up at our house.”
“I’ll go and get the covered ’bus,” suggested one of his assistants.
“A good idea.”
In two minutes’ time the proffers of shelter exceeded the demand of the occasion.
A fog whistle in the distance out at sea came floating in on the strong breeze.
“That is the steam tug with the other passengers aboard,” said the big man.
“Yes, sir,” responded Tom.