"Let her go," Tom returned, "as soon as Nicolas boards."
The Mexican was quickly aboard, after having made the rowboat's painter fast.
"Headway!" announced Renshaw, throwing over the drive-wheel of the engine.
"Put-put-put!" sputtered the motor. Then the "Morton" began really to move. With the first real throb of the engine the electric running lights gleamed out.
Aft Conlon began to stir. Then he opened his eyes.
"What—-" he began.
"Silence!" commanded Mr. Renshaw.
"Tell me who's at the wheel?" Conlon begged.
"Mr. Reade," replied the superintendent, dryly. "Now, keep still!"
"Whew—-ew—-ew!" whistled Conlon, in dire dismay. Then he sank back, watching the engine with moody eyes. The other three men aft still slept.