“Try the engine again,” suggested Bob, after they had spent some little time upon it.
Jack did so; but the only result was one faint report.
“Very queer,” he mused.
“All right?” called a voice from outside.
“Certainly,” responded Jack; “except that it won’t go.”
Jack threw himself upon the bench, and started to think it out. While thus engaged, and, for the moment, quite oblivious to his surroundings, he was startled by exclamations from his chums.
“Hey there!” shouted Joe in excited tones, as he suddenly popped his head inside. “Somebody out on the river yelling for help—listen!”
The boys made a concerted dash for the deck, just as a faint cry floated over the air.
“By Jingo, I wonder what that means!” cried Bob, looking eagerly around. “Which side does it come from?—Hello; I see something out there.”
“Where—where?” chorused the others.