He did not answer until the craft was on the crest of a high wave.
"A ship!" he exclaimed.
"Where ?" came from all of the others in concert.
"Dead ahead!" Both the captain and Mr.Carr looked and saw that the report was true.

Far, far away could be seen a low-lying dark object, with a trail of smoke behind it.
"It's a steamer," said Captain Spark.
"Is it headed this way ?" asked Bob, eagerly.
"I believe so." "Are you sure, sir ?" came from Mr.Tarbill.

"Please don't make any mistake." "No, I am not sure.

Tim, what do you think ?" went on the captain.
The sailor shrugged his shoulders.

He was too anxious to even venture an opinion.
How eagerly all on board the little craft watched that dark object so far away! One minute they felt certain the steamer was headed toward them, the next they were afraid it was moving off to the northward.
"Let's sail after the steamer," suggested Bob.
"It won't help us much," answered Mr.Carr.
"Never mind, it will help some," came from Captain Spark, and they sailed and rowed with all the skill and strength they possessed.
"Are we closer ?" asked Mr.Tarbill.
"Not yet!" answered the captain.
"Can't we call to them ?" "No--but we can fire a shot," answered Captain Spark, and not one shot but half a dozen were discharged.
"If only the lookout sees us," said Bob.