The sea was running higher now, under the influence of an
ever-increasing wind, and it was no easy matter to lower a small boat
from the cutter--a small boat containing three men.
"It's just as it was before--when they came to us for news,"
exclaimed Bess. "I wonder if they bring us news, now."
"They certainly aren't bringing any of our people," said Cora with a
sigh, for, though she had discounted the hope that Bess had
expressed, yet she could not altogether free herself from it. It was
evident that none save sailors were coming toward the Tartar.
And, when the small boat drew nearer, those aboard the gasoline craft
saw that they were to receive the same Lieutenant Walling who had
before paid them a visit.
"What is it, please?" asked Cora, leaning over the rail. She was
unable to withhold her question longer.
"We have news for you!" exclaimed the lieutenant, the pause coming as
he made an ineffectual grasp for the rail as his boat rose on the
swell.
"News!" gasped Cora. Her heart was beating wildly now.
"Oh, we haven't rescued your people," Lieutenant Walling hastened to
assure her, as this time he managed to grasp the rail of the motor
boat, swinging himself over on the deck. The swells were so high
that no accommodation ladder was needed. "That's all--you may go
back, and say to Captain Decker that I will look after matters," he
said to the sailors in the small boat.
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