"Ahoy, what tug is that?" came from the schooner.
"The Rocket," answered Parsons. "What schooner is that?"
To this there was no answer.
"What are you doing here?" asked Captain Langless instead.
"We are in trouble," returned Parsons, after whispering with Dick.
"What's up?"
"We've had a breakdown."
"Seen anybody from the island?"
"Why, we thought this island was deserted."
"So it is."
"Come up closer and give us a lift."
"Can't, we are behind time now."
Then, without warning, a Bengal light was lit on board of the schooner. A large reflector was placed behind the light, which was thus cast on the deck of the Rocket. At once Dick, Peterson, and the others were exposed to the gaze of Captain Langless.
"Ha! I suspected as much! " roared the master of the schooner. "Sheer off, Wimble, or the game is up!"
The helm of the Peacock was at once thrown over, and she began to move off. A stiff breeze caused her to make rapid progress.
