“I’m going to wireless everybody within fifteen miles to check and just keep steerage way.”
“Reckon that’s the safest thing, but all the boats haven’t wireless.”
“We’ll have to watch out for those that haven’t. Bring the Palmer close to my stern and swing to right angles. I’ll hold the Prescott off my bow. The three of us can protect each other.”
“Right-o!” exclaimed the captain of the Palmer, and Mr. Perkins hastened to the bridge, where he quickly gave instructions to his operator, adding: “Tell each boat to answer, and that I’ll report her to the Association if she refuses.” For five minutes the man at the wireless instruments sent out the code call for the attention of the other boats, then flashed the captain’s orders through the fog. Twice he repeated them, then waited for replies.
One by one they came in and were reported to the skipper.
“The Wolcott wants to know how she can protect herself from other boats bound down behind her, if she checks,” announced the operator.
“Tell her to send out her position when we have finished.”
For some time there was silence, then Captain Perkins called:
“How many answers have you received?”
“Eighteen, sir.”