Some of Dave's boat crew, who had been making a lark of their nearly becalmed condition now began to demur over the prospect of getting back late for supper.
"The steam-launch fleet might show up and give us a tow," grumbled Farley.
Dave smiled and said nothing.

He was as eager as any midshipman in the boat to have his supper on time, but he felt that the crew captain must appear above any sign of complaint untoward fate.
For a moment or so Darrin turned to look aft at the weather.
"Motor boat 'John Duncan' on the port bow, two points off and bearing this way, sir," reported the bow watch.
Darrin turned quickly, bending to glance under the boom, for the mainsail was in his way.
What he saw made him dart quickly forward, to take up his stand by the mast.
"Pass me the megaphone, Mr.Dalzell," he requested.
With this mouth-piece in hand, Dave watched the nearing craft.
The "Duncan" was a semi-speed boat, some forty-five feet over all, without cabin, and carrying only a sprayhood forward to protect its engine.
Two men appeared in the boat--Mr Salisbury, the owner, and his engineer.

The latter was steering at this time.
Chug-chug-chug! came the fast craft.
Dave waited, well knowing that his hail could not carry to either engineer or owner over the noise that the "Duncan's" engine was making.
Farley stood close to Dave watching.

The tillerman also had his eye on the approaching craft.

The other midshipmen, telling stories or staring out over the water, paid little heed.