Almost immediately came a reply. "I have your signal of distress. Who and where are you?"
"Schooner Rebecca," flashed back Alec. "Drifting out to sea between the Delaware Capes, just off Henlopen. Rudder broken, anchor lost. Who and where are you?"
"Steamer Lycoming. About thirty miles south of the Delaware Capes. Should reach you in less than two hours. Keep a flare burning."
Alec leaped from his instrument as though he were shot. "It's Roy," he cried. "It's Roy. The Lycoming is only thirty miles away. She'll reach us in less than two hours."
Again he turned to his instrument. Now he flashed out the Lycoming's call. "WNA—WNA—WNA de 3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he flashed.
At once came the response. "3ADH—3ADH—3ADH de WNA—WNA—WNA. Have been trying to get you, Alec. Where are you?"
"On the Rebecca," flashed back Alec. "Just sent the SOS you answered."
"Thank God you've got a wireless!" came back the answer from Roy. "Don't worry. We'll find you sure. We've already shifted our course. We're heading straight for the Capes."
"Stand by while I tell the Captain, Roy," signalled Alec. Then he threw over his switch and darted out on deck.