Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/163

 the land were already at the scene. At last the Capitol City wired that she could see the lights of the Iroquois.

“Make a flare,” flashed back the Iroquois’ wireless man.

And presently, almost dead to leeward of the Iroquois, the darkness was torn by a flash, and a flaming rocket went streaking up through the night. Other rockets followed. Then a flaring light arose, and through their glasses the men on the bridge of the Iroquois could see the stricken ship, lying in a smother of foam on the outer edge of the breakers. She was too far from shore for the land crew to shoot a line to her, and no small boat could live in such a sea. If the crew of the Capitol City were to be saved, the little cutter alone could save them.

Cautiously the Iroquois was worked in toward the shoals. Then slowly she was turned, the captain gave the word, and one of the anchors was let go. Once more the cutter was heading again into the seas, and now, little by little, her anchor-chain was paid out, while seamen with hand-lines took soundings, calling up to the bridge the depth they found. Fathom after fathom the giant anchor-chain was paid out. Fathom after fathom the Iroquois rode backward toward the seething breakers.

Fascinated, Henry watched the attempt to get