“That tug is coming along mighty fast; which side do you suppose it will pass?”
“H’m,” said Jack, rather doubtfully, “they must look out for themselves.”
Two short, sharp whistles suddenly sounded; and the boys looked at each other and the swiftly approaching tug in some apprehension.
“What does that signal mean?” asked Fred, nervously.
No one answered; Jack seemed puzzled; but something had to be done quickly, as the “Gray Gull” was almost directly in line. With a quick movement, he steered to starboard, just as the tug swung to port.
“Gee whiz!” yelled Joe, excitedly. “We’re going to get smashed to bits.”
A chorus of exclamations rang out, blending in with another sharp signal from the tug.
“What’s to be done?” gasped Aleck Hunt, in dismay.
It was a moment of great excitement. None understood the commands which were hurled over the air; it seemed as if nothing could prevent the two craft from coming together. The dismayed boys stood almost motionless, while the black hull cut swiftly toward them.
Suddenly Jack Lyons, realizing what was to be done, swung the tiller far around; quick action of those on the tug sent its prow outward.