Holding the spar with the searchlight beam, the destroyer changed its course, bearing down rapidly upon them. Then it stopped and a motor launch was lowered from davits.
With a burst of speed the launch came alongside the spar. Busy hands were outstretched. The Englishwoman was the first to be taken aboard, after a few quick slashes had freed her from the binding cord.
"Why, here's Lieutenant Commander Darrin!"
"Help!"
exclaimed a voice. Dave, almost too weak to speak, was hustled into the boat, then the other two men were taken over.
Blankets were wrapped about the rescued ones, and the launch dashed back to her ship.
"A woman, Lieutenant Commander Darrin and two other men!" the officer in charge of the launch hailed the destroyer.
"Darrin!" cried a voice. There was even greater bustle at the top of the gangway that had been lowered as the launch ran alongside. As swiftly as possible the four rescued ones were rushed up the side.