CHAPTER VII
A Tramp of the Seas
IMMEDIATELY Henry made his way to the captain’s cabin again. He handed a copy of the despatch to the commander.
“Thank you,’ said Captain Hardwick. Glancing at the message, he muttered his approval. Just then the chief engineer, whom the commander had summoned, came into the cabin.
“Mr. Farley,” said the commander, “there’s a tramp a little farther up the coast that just sent us a wireless for a doctor. Mate’s sick. We've told her where to meet us. It will take several hours to reach her. We’re making about twelve knots, aren’t we? Suppose you push her up to top speed, fifteen knots. We can slow down again after the doctor has seen the sick man.”
“Very well, sir.” And the chief engineer withdrew.
At once the captain went to the chart-room. Lieutenant Hill was on duty. Together they figured out the new course and gave the direction to the helmsman, who brought the ship about. Meantime the vibration of the ship became more noticeable, and the grinding noise of her machin-