“Aye, lad, it wull be all of that,” agreed the Scotchman.
A sudden idea struck Jack.
“Is there any one on board who understands wireless besides Ned Bangs?” he asked abruptly.
Sam Serviss, a youngish-looking seaman,—he was third officer of the Sea King,—stepped forward.
“I can read Morse and Continental,” he said simply, “and I’ve taken lessons from Ned Bangs here. I guess at a pinch I could operate a wireless all right.”
“Good. That puts my plan on a feasible basis,” exclaimed Jack.
“What may the plan be?” asked Captain Andrews interestedly.
“Just this: The Sea King will proceed to Lone Island, navigated by Mr. Serviss here. On the island, as you know, is a wireless plant. The generator is not a very powerful one, but you can harness the island apparatus to the generators of the Sea King, and obtain as much current as you want,—two kilowatts if necessary. I have a plan to increase the power of the Vagrant’s outfit, so that we can keep in touch with you.”
Captain Andrews and MacDuffy nodded. Jack went on, while they all listened with deep attention.
“The Sea King carries a gasolene launch. On arrival at Lone Island you can try to get into communication with us. In the meantime the launch can be despatched to Galveston for the supplies and tools needful to mend that shaft properly. This being done, Mr. Serviss will watch the wireless for further instructions, or, in case of need, proceed to our rescue.”