“Say!” He started as if struck by a ball. “That pick up we made, that rich man was going on that boat, wasn’t he?”
“He didn’t,” said Johnny.
“He’s in luck.”
For a moment there was silence.
“I suppose you know,” said Johnny, “that the Captain must be notified. We couldn’t have helped them; too far away. Have to tell him. But our Unwilling Guest, no use telling him, not just yet. No use to disturb folks needlessly.”
“No,” said the young wireless man, “no use.”
Then for a time they sat catching the crash of the storm and wondering what ship would be next.
CHAPTER XX
HAIL AND FAREWELL
Fifteen minutes more of an ominous silence which told plainer than words that the steamship Arion with all on board had gone to her final resting place at the bottom of the sea. The very thought of it made Johnny feel sick and faint. The shrill scream of wind in the rigging became to him the cries of those who called in vain for aid.
“Couldn’t we reach them?” he asked the wireless man. “There might be some we could save.”