CHAPTER XXII
INTO PORT
As they drew closer to the other boat the boys saw that she was a fine big cruiser with a lot of beam and a length of probably forty feet. Her cabin extended almost the length of the hull and in the small cockpit at the stern two men were to be seen. One was apparently engaged in some task that hid all but his head and shoulders, and the other, clinging to a railing, held a megaphone to his mouth as the Urnove came up to leeward.
“We’ve broken our shaft,” came the voice across the water. “Can you give us a tow?”
“Yes,” called Toby in answer, “if you’ve got a line that’ll hold. I’ll come about and run in close to you. Have your line ready.”
The other waved his megaphone in assent and the Urnove, plunging past, made a wide turn and once more approached. “Stand by with the boat-hook, Arn,” said Toby, “in case we don’t catch it. Don’t fall overboard, though! Ready, now!”
The little launch again drew close to the cruiser, Toby steering her to the leeward and as near as he dared venture. The second occupant of the big boat had given up his task and was bracing himself in the cockpit with a coil of rope in his hands.
“Heave it!” called Toby.
The coil shot across the few yards of water straight for the Urnove’s bow, but the wind seized and deflected it and, although Arnold did his best with the boat-hook, they missed it.
Coming around again was wet business, and plugging back in the teeth of the wind and water was none too easy. Those on the cruiser were ready for another attempt and as the Urnove plunged slowly past the coil was again thrown and this time Arnold got it and in a moment had made it fast to the stern cleat. On the other boat—the name on the bow was Sinbad—one of the crew crept forward along the heaving, slippery deck and secured the cable at the bow. Meanwhile the second occupant of the boat was speaking through cupped hands.
“Much obliged, you fellows! Can you make Cutchogue Harbor?”