"I fastened both ropes myself."
"Never mind about that," broke in Aunt Kate. "I don't know much about
boats, but if this one isn't being steered we may run into something."
"That's so!" cried Betty. "But I didn't want to go out on deck alone--
slip your raincoats on, girls, and come with me! There may be-- I mean
some one may have set us adrift purposely!"
"Oh, don't say such things!" pleaded Grace, looking at the cabin ports
as though a face might be peering in.
Quickly Betty and Mollie got into their long, dark coats, and without
waiting for slippers reached the after deck. As they looked ahead they
saw a bright light bearing directly for them. It was a white light,
and on either side showed a gleam of red and green. Then a whistle
blew.
"Oh, we're going to be run down!" cried Mollie. "A steamer is coming
directly for us, Betty!"
"We won't be run down if we can get out of the way!" exclaimed Betty,
sharply. "Push that button-- the automatic, I mean-- and start the
motor. I'll steer," and Betty grasped the wheel with one hand, while
with the other she pulled the signal cord, sending out a sharp blast
that indicated her direction to the oncoming steamer would be to port.
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