he position in which the boys
found themselves. Fred still was lying helpless on the cushions and the
boys by taking turns or working together at the wheel had somehow, in
spite of numerous moments of peril, been able to keep the Black Growler
headed to the wind.

At that time George broke in upon the silence by saying excitedly,
"Look yonder, fellows! Isn't that a boat coming this way?"

Instantly the eyes of all three turned in the direction in which George
pointed. Far away a trail of smoke was visible and from the direction
in which it was moving it was apparent that it had come from a boat
which was coming nearer the place where the boys were drifting than had
any boats since their mishap.

"I believe it's coming," exclaimed Grant. "We'll get some help pretty
soon."

"Yes," broke in John, whose hands now were blistered and whose temper
had suffered from his efforts. "Yes, she's probably bound for Liverpool
and won't stop until she's gone across the ocean. A lot of good it will
do us!"

"Don't take all the joy out of living, String," laughed George
good-naturedly. "Maybe we shan't have any chance to be taken on board,
but we'll do our best anyway."

Silence followed as the three boys eagerly watched the approaching
boat, for there was no question in their minds now that the unknown
steamer was approaching.

A few minutes later Grant said, looking through the field glasses at
the approaching stranger, "That's a yacht of some kind, in my opinion."
As soon as he had spoken, his companions eagerly demanded an
opportunity to confirm his statement.

"Soc is right," said John after a long inspection.

"Of course he is," said Grant lightly. "He always is right. How many
times must I tell you that if you would only follow my advice you would
soon be improving?"

"It's no time to joke," said John solemnly. "We've just got to make
them take us on board or help us out of our trouble."

"We'll have to wait until they come nearer than they are now," said
George. "Have we got a big white cloth that we can use as a signal?"

"I think there are some sheets down in the cabin," suggested Grant.

"Then I'll get them," said Grant quickly, as he disappeared from sight.

In a brief time he returned with two sheets in his arms. Handing one to
Grant, while John was still busy at the wheel, George said excitedly,
"Now we have got to stand up and let them know that we're here."

It was plain to the watching boys that the ap