Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/220

 oughly, Henry,” said the captain. “Pending that investigation, I shall have to ask you to remain aboard as my guest.”

“I will be glad to do so,” cried Henry. “In fact, I do not want to leave this boat until we get to the bottom of this whole thing.”

“It may not take so long as you think to do that. The chief electrician should be aboard in a few moments.”

Already the Iroquois was at her anchorage. Her engines were no longer running. Against a strong tide she was fast coming to rest.

“Let go your anchor,” said the captain suddenly.

The anchor slid into the water, and the ship swung in the tide and came to rest. Immediately the launch was lowered. In a moment it was skimming over to the landing. A few moments more saw it on the way back, laden heavily with sailors.

The chief electrician was aboard. Like many of the others, he was suffering from a terrible cold, but he declared he was fit for duty. At once the captain sent him to the radio shack. Henry and his friend Belford went with him. Like a finished workman, the head radio man set about his task of finding the difficulty. He threw on the current and tested his motor. To all appearances it was in perfect condition. It