CHAPTER III
RESCUED
"WHAT do you make of that, sir?"
The speaker was Paul Travers, the second mate of the s.s. Polarity.
Captain Stormleigh brought his binoculars to bear upon the indistinct object his subordinate had indicated, road on the port beam.
"Wreckage, I should imagine," he observed.
"Worth while investigating, sir? I believe I can see a flag or something of the sort hoisted on a pole."
"Certainly," replied Captain Stormleigh decisively, and, calling to the steersman, ordered him to starboard his helm.
The s.s. Polarity was not a graceful-looking craft by any stretch of imagination. Of barely 1500 tons' displacement, her straight stem, heavy short counter and wall sides were not objects of pleasing nautical architecture. She had three stumpy masts. The foremast, contrary to usual practice, was several feet taller than the main. A short distance below the fore-truck was a large upright barrel, fitted with a slightly conical roof. That alone would proclaim to experienced mariners the role of s.s. Polarity, for the barrel formed the crow's nest, and at once classed the vessel as one engaged in work in Polar seas.
Her engine-room was well aft, a tall, black funnel rearing itself between main and mizzen masts, while just abaft the mainmast, in order to leave the 'midship portion clear for stowage of cargo, was the bridge with the usual chart-room.