“Just how badly is he injured?” he asked the doctor.
“An average man would die from shock, but he looks like he has a fine constitution. I believe he’ll pull through.”
“See that he has everything he needs,” said Tim. “In case of an emergency you can communicate with Commander Ford’s representative in New York for further instructions.”
The information Al Hardy had given made Tim change his plans completely. Sladek and his crew knew the S-18 was bound for the coast of Yucatan and Tim felt sure they would abandon any attempt to follow the S-18 across the Caribbean. Instead they would use their own seaplane to locate Commander Ford’s expedition after it reached the island which held the secret of the Southern Queen.
To Tim it seemed the most important thing was to get in touch with Commander Ford and appraise him of the sudden turn in events. Instead of waiting to keep the rendezvous on the following day, he would attempt to overtake the S-18 as soon as dawn broke.
On his way back to the waterfront Tim stopped at an all-night restaurant and ate a hearty breakfast. The watchman at the dock lent a willing hand and by dawn Tim had the Sea King ready to take the air.
“I don’t like the looks of the sky,” said the watchman. “There’s wind and a nasty sea in them clouds.”
“I’ll risk it anyway,” said Tim. “It’s important.”
“Then keep an eye on a handy cay where you can find shelter in the lee,” advised the watchman as Tim started the motor of the Sea King. The powerful engine ran true and sweet and after getting it thoroughly warmed up, Tim scudded across the gray water and lifted the dripping pontoons into the sky.
He knew the S-18 would be following the course to the rendezvous set for the next day and he charted a compass path through the air.