"
"I don't say I can do the thing," rejoined Jack, "but would you like to
see me try?"
"Yes, if you take no risk of ramming the war ship, or doing any other
damage."
Captain Jack instantly shut off the speed, reversing, next allowing the
"Pollard" to stop and drift as she lay.
"What's that for?" asked Commander Ennerling.
"I'm going to try," replied Jack, with a laugh. "Oh, Hal!"
Hastings came at once up aloft with them. His mouth opened in a broad
grin as he listened to his chum's rapid sentences.
"And now ask Eph to come up here," finished Jack.
As Somers reached his young chief Benson demanded:
"Eph, see that light? Commander Ennerling is sure it belongs to a Naval
vessel. We're going to try to tie up to her while she's going at
cruising speed."
"Say, that's like you!" burst from Eph Somers, an admiring grin showing
in his face.
"Eph, have you sufficient nerve to get into your bathing suit like
lightning, and go overboard with a lantern and a rocket or two, with
only a state-room door to float on?"
"Of course," nodded Eph. "The sea's not rough, and a state-room door is
big enough to ride on. But you're not going to leave me marooned, are
you?"
"Not likely," laughed Jack. "You're right in the path of the approaching
vessel, Eph, and they'll see your rockets and lantern. They'll pick
you up."
Eph's face went suddenly solemn.
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