“It’s my opinion,” said Wade who was something of a sailor, “that we are going to have a big blow.”

“I agree with you,” said Frank.

“However, I reckon the Diver is well able to cope with any such a storm?”

“Indeed, yes,” said Frank. “If it gets too rough on the surface we can take a trip below.”

“Sure enough; we would never feel the storm there.”

“It is hardly likely. Heigho! What is that? On my word, I believe those were signals of distress!”

Frank pointed to a distant vessel which had the appearance of a large schooner-yacht. There was no doubt but that the signal of distress was at her masthead.

“She’s in trouble, surely,” cried Wade. “Can she have struck a leak?”

“Begorra, she’s carryin’ too much sail fer the loikes av this breeze,” cried Barney. “Shure, it’s crazy they are!”

This was true. The schooner carried every rag of canvas. This was plainly a reckless thing.