"Stop that motor a minute, while I listen!"
In compliance with Rob's order Merritt shut down the panting engine.
"What's that noise off there?" asked Hiram suddenly.
"That sort of throbbing sound?" rejoined Tubby Hopkins.
"That's it, sounds like a big heart beating," put in Rob.
"I guess that's their engine. They're tryin' ter back her off," suggested the captain.
"Give them a blast on that fog-horn and see if they answer," said Rob suddenly.
Hiram took up the big brass fish-horn, used as a fog signal on the Flying Fish, and blew a loud, long call.
After an interval of waiting, from out of the mist came the wail of the stranded ship's siren once more.
"There she is, right in there," declared the captain, pointing seaward into the mist. "Steer right on that tack, Rob, and we'll pick her up pretty soon."