Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/112

 Henry’s grasp was almost broken. He could hardly keep his feet on the ladder-rungs, either. Tightening his grip, he mounted upward as fast as he could, and presently found himself safe in the crow’s-nest. He sighed with relief. As long as the mast stood, he knew he was safe here.

Intently now he swept the northern horizon with his glasses. Soon he noticed a ship, but a moment’s study showed him it was heading out to sea. Astern of her he soon saw another vessel. That one, too, was outward bound. But when he brought his glasses farther around toward land, he espied a steamer heading inward. He studied her intently. He thought she was sailing in a long diagonal, as though to cross the course of the Iroquois. For fifteen minutes he watched her. By this time both ships had traveled some miles, and the strange ship was much nearer. Her great bow wave showed she was being driven hard. There could be no doubt as to her course being diagonal with their own. The men on the bridge could now see her, too, so Henry pocketed his glasses and carefully climbed down again.

“I guess that’s the Viking,” said the quartermaster. Henry was surprised to find how little could yet be seen of the ship from the bridge.

“Couldn’t we find out by wireless?” asked Henry.