ink it's getting gray over
there," the lad continued, pointing toward the east. "Morning will be
along shortly and we can see what time it is."

"Maybe we'll meet some ship that will pick us up," ventured Harry,
hopefully. "There are plenty of vessels in these parts."

"I see a smoke astern of us now, I think!" declared Frank. "It seems to
be from a vessel low in the water."

"Let me take a look," cried Ned, standing and balancing himself by
clinging to Jimmie's shoulder. "Yes, I can see it, too! It seems to be
overhauling us quite rapidly," he added. "Maybe they'll help us!"

Ceasing their efforts to propel the boat the boys handled the oars only
enough to keep their tiny craft properly riding the seas.

"It looks to me like a tug!" stated Jimmie, presently.

"A tug wouldn't come smashing along at that rate!" objected Ned.

"Well, then, what can it be?" queried the other. "It is too low in the
water for a battleship and no freight steamer ever made such good time as
they are clipping off! They're coming up fast!"

The boys were not long left in doubt. Rapidly overhauling them the
strange vessel did, indeed, seem to be at first glance a tug tearing
along through the waves at a great rate. The bow was lost in a smother of
foam and spray. But a tiny speck of deck house was visible. The stacks
were low. Great billows of black smoke vomited forth from the short
funnels came drifting down the wind.

In a short time the vessel approached near enough so that the boys could
distinguish a small gun mounted at the bow.

"I know what that ship is!" announced Jimmie, directly. "That's what they
call a torpedo boat destroyer or despatch boat!"

"I believe you're right, Jimmie," decided Ned. "They certainly have got
the speed!" he added admiringly as the craft approached.

"Get ready to hail 'em!" cried Frank. "Get out a flag!"

"Haven't got a flag aboard this wagon!" scorned Jimmie. "What do you
think this is--a dreadnaught with full equipment?"

"Then take off your shirt and wave that at 'em!"

"Just the idea!" agreed Jimmie, proceeding to follow the advice.

Bracing himself against a thwart amidships Jimmie waved the improvised
distress signal. His efforts were not unavailing.

"They see you, Jimmie!" shouted Jack, presently. "There's a man on the
bridge looking at you with glasses. They're shifting the helm!"

"I can see two or three men standing on the bridge!" announced Ned. "They
are examining us pretty clo