It was not till they emerged on deck a few seconds later that they heard sounds from the engine-room, and presently Tom showed up. He had a wrench in his hand, and bore a well-satisfied grin on his round face. “What on earth have you been up to?” asked Jack. “I’ve been administering much the same treatment to the engines of this craft that you have to the wireless,” chuckled Tom. “Gee whillikers! what an astonished outfit of tamale-eaters there’s going to be on this ship when they come to life!” CHAPTER XI—THE “FLYING ROAD RACER” Leaving the _Tarantula_ to drift at her sweet will, all haste was made by the youthful adventurers in regaining the side of the _Sea King_. When they reascended to the deck of that craft, after making fast the _Vagrant_, they found a newcomer among the crew to greet them,—namely, MacDuffy, the engineer, who announced that he had made temporary repairs. “But they willna be lastin’ lang, I’m thinkin’,” he said ruefully, “I dinna ken if they will carry us a hundred miles.” “And it’s a good three hundred or more back to that river mouth,” cried Ned in dismay. “Aye, lad, it wull be all of that,” agreed the Scotchman. A sudden idea struck Jack. “Is there any one on board who understands wireless besides Ned Bangs?” he asked abruptly. Sam Serviss, a youngish-looking seaman,—he was third officer of the _Sea King_,—stepped forward. “I can read Morse and Continental,” he said simply, “and I’ve taken lessons from Ned Bangs here. I guess at a pinch I could operate a wireless all right.” “Good. That puts my plan on a feasible basis,” exclaimed Jack. “What may the plan be?” asked Captain Andrews interestedly. “Just this: The _Sea King_ will proceed to Lone Island, navigated by Mr. Serviss here. On the island, as you know, is a wireless plant. The generator is not a very powerful one, but you can harness the island apparatus to the generators of the _Sea King_, and obtain as much current as you want,—two kilowatts if necessary. I have a plan to increase the power of the _Vagrant’s_ outfit, so that we can keep in touch with you.” Captain Andrews and MacDuffy nodded. Jack went on, while they all listened with deep attention. “The _Sea King_ carries a gasolene launch. On arrival at Lone Island you can try to get into communication with us. In the meantime the launch can be despatched to Galveston for the supplies and tools needful to mend that shaft properly. This being done, Mr. Serviss will watch the wireless for further instructions, or, in case of need, proceed to our rescue.” “Then you mean to go back to Yucatan the noo?” inquired MacDuffy. “Of course,” rejoined Jack, quick as a flash, and in a tone that showed he had indeed arrived at a definite conclusion in the matter. “It’s my duty and Tom’s to rescue our relatives, and that as soon as possible.” “And you’ll no be countin’ on taking me?” asked MacDuffy, rather piteously. Jack shook his head.