"They are lowering a small boat," said Sam, a little later.
"I wish they would hurry," returned Tom, in a low voice. "I believe
this yacht is going to go down very soon."
At last the small boat was close enough to be hailed, and preparations
were made for transferring the girls first.
It was no easy matter to make the change, and it took a good quarter
of an hour to land the girls on the steamer's deck.
By this time the Old Glory was completely water-logged.
"We have got to jump for it, lads!" cried Captain Jerry, "unless you
want to go down with her!"
And jump they did, into the mighty waves, and none too soon, for a
minute later the yacht went down, out of their sight forever.
The small boat was not far away, and soon Sam and Tom were picked
up. To get Dick and Captain Jerry was not so easy, but the task was
finally accomplished, and soon all of our friends stood on the deck
of the tramp steamer, safe and sound once more.
CHAPTER VII
DISMAYING NEWS
"Thank fortune we got away from the yacht just in time!" exclaimed
Tom, as he shook the water from his clothes.
"I'm sorry to see the Old Glory go," said Captain Jerry sadly. "I
thought a heap o' that craft, I did. It will be sorry news to take
back to Master Bob."
"Never mind, we'll help pay for the loss," put in Dick.
"Where are you folks from?" questioned the captain of the steamer,
as he came up to, the crowd.
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