"And I'll go along to help you," said the captain. "There's no getting out
of here right away, and we may as well do something. I can't get any
answer to my wireless messages yet, and maybe folks think they're only a
joke, and don't pay any attention."

"You have tried to get New York?" asked Jack.

"Yes, and Havana and any place I can, but I can't do anything. I don't
know if I am tuned up with those fellows or whether they think it is only
a joke or what. I've tried American and International, wired S.O.S. and
all the different distress signals, but could not seem to make
connection."

"Why don't you try Mr. Smith in New York? He would be interested on
account of his boy. Try a plain commercial message. That ought to go. You
can at least try it."

"That is very sensible advice," said the doctor. "I suppose you have been
sending out distress signals, and the wireless people, if they have caught
you up simply regard it as a hoax."

"Well, I'll try again, and do as the young man suggests. In the meantime
I'd like to visit this wreck. I never was in a ship's cabin under water
when it was safe, and I'd like to try it."

"We will go to-morrow," said Jack.