The captain hastened to the bridge in his pajamas and bath-robe.
"Yes, sir. A ship's boat, by the looks of her."
"Order the engines slowed down. Schultz, get the after cutter ready for clearing away."
The old quartermaster's whistle sang out shrilly, and the watch jumped aft, alert for anything that was in the wind. Like magic, word had flown among the crew of the discovery of the tiny derelict.
"The land's not more than two hundred miles off," said Metcalf. "It's possible they've drifted out to sea."
"Most probably that is it, unless some disaster has overtaken a ship. At any rate, it couldn't have come from storm, for we haven't had any weather to speak of for days."
"By the way, sir, I heard a lot of talk before we left Kingston about earthquake weather. In my opinion, a quiet, still night like this means some sort of a shake. At least, that's what the natives say."
"Yes; and the glass has been singularly high. That's a sign of something in the wind," was the response. "But go aft, Metcalf, and see that they clear that boat properly."
"Yes, sir," and the chief officer hurried off.
He found Colonel Minturn, who had been pacing the deck sleeplessly in his anxiety, beside the boat crew, watching their preparations. Jack, whose watch had just expired, was there, too.
"Yes; there's a drifting boat with a woman in it dead ahead. We're going to pick her up."
"I wonder if I could go along," said the colonel. "It would be something to relieve this anxiety. It is terrible. I cannot sleep. All I can do is to walk the decks and think."
"I'll ask the captain," said Mr. Metcalf. "Personally, I have no objections."
He was soon back with the required permission.
"Ready, you're off duty and I know you like anything like adventure, so if you want to come, get aboard."
"Good!" exclaimed Jack. "Have you any idea what boat it is?"
"Not the least. That makes it all the more interesting. From what we can make out, though, it's a ship's boat of some sort."
The big vessel almost ceased to move. Her propeller, driven by the slowly working engines, only made a ripple on the water. The boat was swung over and struck the sea with a gentle splash.
"There they are, men. Give way with a will now," ordered Mr. Metcalf briskly.