There they stood, frantically waving their hands toward those on the submarine. Across the water that separated the two craft, there came a faint hail.
"I suppose they are nearly dead," exclaimed the inventor. "We must save them."
He ordered the Porpoise sent ahead slowly toward the wreck. The distance was about half a mile, and was soon covered. As the submarine approached closer those on the schooner could be observed more plainly.
"One of 'em is a woman!" exclaimed Jack, who was using the glasses.
"Let me see," spoke the professor.
"You're right," he added. "The other is a little girl."
A few minutes later the Porpoise was alongside. The woman and child came to the rail of the schooner, which was barely five feet above the waves.
"Can you jump down, or shall I come aboard and get you?" asked Mr. Henderson seeing the woman hesitate.
"I can jump down, if you will catch the child," said the woman. "Oh I am so glad you came," she added. "We are almost dead from hunger and thirst, and the wreck is ready to sink and cannot last many hours longer."
"Pass the little girl down to me," spoke Andy. "Then you jump. We'll save you all right."