"If they only have motor lifeboat down theer to Lower Trillion," said Rafe Silver, "they go out for heem."
"Tobias, they've got one at Upper Trillion!" the girl exclaimed suddenly.
"Oh, sugar! So they have," the lightkeeper agreed.
Silver shrugged his shoulders again. "They no see her out theer from Upper Trillion station. Amposseeble!"
"But haven't the Lower Trillion crew sent word, do you suppose, to the Upper Trillion station?" demanded Lorna.
The lightkeeper shook his head. "You forget the wires air down, Lorny. That is why this here detective and Rafe went over to Lower Trillion in the car. And now they can't get back to Clinkerport, even if the telephone is working from there to Upper Trillion."
"Oh, Tobias! are you sure they will not see those rockets? Ah! There goes another."
"They ain't likely to. The headland's between. My soul and body! this is sartain sure an awful thing."
The three were silent for a time. Their vision was fastened upon the plunging fishing craft. Her fore-topmast had been torn away. There was still some of her lower canvas set. Doubtless Captain Bob Pritchett and his crew were doing all they could to keep the Nelly G. from broaching to.
But to make a better offing was impossible unless the wind changed. A sea-anchor would help keep her head to the wind, but continually the gale was forcing the schooner broadside on the coast.