“What’s that thing sticking up a little aft of midships?” queried Nanny, excitedly.
“By gum, it looks like a broken smokestack or funnel.”
“The thing is iron or steel,” cried Judson, crawling aft. “See how the sides glisten.”
Clif said nothing, but the expression upon his handsome face indicated his lively interest. Carefully handling the steering oar he brought the launch around within a dozen yards of the tossing object.
And then a simultaneous cry of amazement burst from the cadets.
“Great Scott!” added Clif. “It’s a torpedo boat and it has been abandoned at sea!”
To Clif this remarkable discovery was welcome indeed.
He saw at once that the craft must be seaworthy, else it would not have survived the gale. It was far better than the open sailing launch, and a transfer to its comparatively roomy interior would certainly be appreciated.
Then again, there might be food and water on board, and the lack of those necessary articles was a subject of much anxiety to the youthful leader.