"Watch that boom," cried the captain. "I'm going to come about."
Alec dodged as the boom swept across the deck. Suddenly he thought of Elsa, standing by at the wireless. "Oh, Captain!" he cried. "I must go aboard the Osprey. Elsa said she would stand by in case I needed to call her again."
"I reckon you'll have to talk to her, Alec," replied the shipper. "She was just scared to death when she got your message."
The captain swung the ship straight into the wind. The sails began to flap. The boat lost headway. Big Jim Hawley laid his hand on the Osprey's line and hauled the little craft close beside the Shark. Alec stepped aboard of her. Flashlight in hand, he made his way into the cabin and sat down at his instrument.
"3ARM—3ARM—3ARM de 3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he signalled.
Instantly came the response.
"Everything O. K.," flashed Alec. "Dianthus arrived and took Hardy and his crew ashore. No difficulty. Nobody hurt. Your father, Jim, and I are bringing back the Shark. We're some distance off the bar now. Dianthus is already in the river. Don't know how to thank you for your help. I think you saved my life. Will tell you about it when I see you."
"I want to see you to-night," flashed back Elsa.
"Impossible," telegraphed Alec. "Won't be in until very late."
"I won't take no for an answer. You must come home with Dad. Say you will."