"Right, yes, unless he makes the mistake of trying to cross the
stream," nodded Darrin. "Then he'll run his craft into the trough of
the sea, and--"

"Well, what?" demanded Belle as Dave paused.

"Then, when he's in the trough, a big wave may roll his small boat
over," Dan finished for his comrade.

"Do you really think there's danger of that?" demanded Laura,
looking anxious.

"I don't know," murmured Dave. "But I wish I had some way of signaling
Foss, some way so that he could understand the signals."

"What good would it do?" demanded Midshipman Dalzell, grimly. "Tom would
only laugh and say it was more old maidishness on the part of Navy men."

"There--confound the idiot!" suddenly blazed Dave Darrin. "He is
crossing. Look at that boat wallow in the trough. Jupiter! There she goes
over--nearly!"

All four young people on the float held their breath for an instant. The
motor launch, after almost having turned turtle, righted itself.

"I wish I were at the wheel of the boat for about three minutes,"
muttered Darrin hoarsely.

At that moment Laura and Belle both screamed, while Dan Dalzell shouted: