"Oh, I hope they take us on board and back home," said Nellie. "I must say I am heartily tired of this yacht."
The wind was increasing, and the girls had to go back to the cabin to keep from getting wet. The boys put up a flag, upside down, on a piece of planking, and waited eagerly for the steamer to come nearer.
"The yacht is settling," cried Dick, a little while later. "Don't you notice it?"
"The Old Glory has sprung some leaks," responded Captain Jerry sadly. "Take the wheel while I go and look them over."
Tom and Sam took the wheel, while old Jerry and Dick inspected the leaks. They soon reported that two seams had opened at the bow, and that there was a bad break at the stern, which was bound soon to interfere with the rudder.
"I believe that steamer is going to leave us!" cried Sam, a little while later.
"Oh, don't say that," said Dick. "We must signal her somehow."
"We'll fire some rockets," said Captain Jerry.
This was done, and a little later they saw that the steamer was heading in their direction.
By this time the Old Glory showed unmistak-
