Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/304

 another call, “Same course. Going about on account bad steering. Call first fifteen minutes each hour.”

An hour later came the cry, “We have stopped now. Unable to proceed. When can we expect you?”

By every means at his command the captain of the Iroquois tried to hasten the little cutter, but already every soul on board was working at top capacity. Under forced draught, in heat almost unbearable, the men in the fireroom fed and stoked the fires with an energy well-nigh superhuman. From stem to stern the little cutter trembled and shook with the intensity of her efforts. Never had she traveled faster, yet hours must elapse before she could reach the injured steamers. Reluctantly Henry sent the discouraging word. And hardly had he finished, before there came to him the startling call, “Have you anything for me? Antenne may soon carry away.”

It was just ten o’clock. Both Mr. Sharp and Jimmy had joined Henry in the wireless shack. They looked at one another with questioning, fearful eyes.

“She must be damaged more than we thought,” said Mr. Sharp. “God grant she stays afloat till we get there.”

At ten thirty-five came a reassuring flash from