In a few minutes a boat, containing several sailors, and someone in command, swept around from the other side of the steamer. It came straight for the schooner, the boys' hearts beating high with hope at each stroke of the oars.
"We're all right now!" cried Bob. "Oh, I hope they have a wireless telegraph on board, so I can send word to my mother!"
Loyal little chap! His first thought was of her whom he knew would be worrying so!
"Oh, there's a wireless all right," said Frank, as he pointed to the wires strung between the signal masts of the steamer.
"Oh, I'm so glad!" cried Bob, and there were tears of joy in his eyes.
"But if they take us on board the steamer, what will we do with the schooner, and the motor boat?" asked Sammy.
"Oh, we won't have to worry about that!" cried Frank. "We've had troubles enough. Now we're going to take it easy!"
The boat containing the sailors came nearer. The officer looked at the three boys curiously. Frank had tossed a rope over the side. The schooner's rail was so low that no accommodation ladder was needed.
"Ahoy there!" called the officer, as the sailors brought the boat broadside to, and one of them held her there by clinging to the rope. "What schooner is that?"
"The Mary Ellen," answered Frank.
"Where from, and where bound?" asked the officer.
"We don't know," replied Frank, with a smile.
"You don't know! Well, who's in command?"
"I guess we are," went on Frank. "We picked her up yesterday, and we've been aboard ever since. She was abandoned."
The officer uttered a whistle of surprise.
