“You don’t?”
There was an odd look in Tom’s eyes as he spoke.
The next instant there was a flash and a puff of smoke from the stern of the yacht, where Jack had made out some figures standing in a little group. The others had retreated forward. The report of the signal gun was borne to their ears a few seconds later.
“If only we had a boat,” burst out Jack. “I just hate to think of those fellows out there in trouble, and we not able to raise a finger to help!”
“Oh, but we are,” spoke Tom quietly. Jack looked at him swiftly and then almost involuntarily both boys’ eyes rested on the shed behind them.
“Jove, Tom! Have you got the nerve to try it?”
“Sure thing. We planned to make the test anyhow to-day. What better opportunity?”
“It’s blowing up for bad weather, Tom,” remonstrated Jack, who was far less impetuous than his cousin.
“Well, we’ve got to expect to get caught in that sometime. Besides, I don’t think it will blow very hard.”
Like many other people, men as well as boys, Tom had a way of minimizing obstacles when he wanted to do anything very much, and the scene on the yacht had aroused his curiosity to the utmost. Jack thought a minute and then scanned the sky carefully. Dark clouds were piling up and the sea looked leaden and ugly. The wind was not steady but came in sharp gusts and flaws.