Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/114

 along the course indicated. It pointed straight from the position of the Iroquois in the direction of the oncoming tramp. Then Henry stepped to the bridge.

Rapidly now the two steamships drew nearer, converging toward a common point. As they approached closely enough for each to examine the other well, the sailors on the Iroquois crowded to the forward rail, while a row of sailors could be seen lining the side of the Viking. The latter was a large, clumsy-looking cargo-boat, and was quite evidently not in the best of condition. She needed paint badly. Great rusty blotches marred her dark sides. Her rigging looked rickety. Huge derricks rose fore and after, and the derrick-booms were lashed horizontally, producing a peculiar appearance. At a little distance she looked as though she were equipped with elevated plank-walks. Her decks were littered with cargo. When the two vessels had come close to each other, both were stopped, and preparations were made to put the doctor aboard the Viking.

A small boat was lowered on the leeward side of the Iroquois, and the doctor and the crew stepped into her as she dropped level with the rail. The doctor carried his medicine case. Suddenly Henry turned to the captain, who was watching operations. “Might I go along?” he asked.

“Do you want a passenger, Mr. Hill?” asked