“Run up a signal,” replied Frank, hastily. “You must temporize with them. Partly accede to their terms. Anything to gain time.”
And Frank began work at once upon the keyboard. Wade took the tip and rushed out on deck.
The Meta was now within easy cannon shot. She was training her gun again when Wade ran up a signal flag.
It implied a parley, and at once the Meta answered it.
“Begorra, I only wish we had our electric gun wid us!” cried Barney. “Shure, we’d jist play wid thim, yez kin be sure!”
But Wade knew well that their only hope was a shrewd game of policy. He went back to the pilot-house.
“How much time do you want, Frank?” he asked.
“At least two hours,” replied the young inventor. “Send Barney here to me.”
Barney came, and together they worked at repairing the keyboard. Wade went back to the deck.
The Meta had signaled again. Wade answered the signal.