It was within half an hour of the time of calling the new watch, in fact,
when the bow watch reported:
"Sail dead ahead, sir!"
Barely more than a topsail could be made out, even through the marine
glass of the young watch officer.
"Hold the light on her; we'll overtake and examine her, anyway," was
Ensign Hastings's quick decision. From the bridge he gave orders for
the engine room to go ahead with increased speed. While the gunboat was
bounding off after the stranger, time came to call the port watch. Eph
Somers came up to the bridge, somewhat sleepy.
"Same old story, I guess," yawned Eph. "Have you passed the word to
the executive office?"
"Not yet," Hal replied. "I didn't believe it worth while to break the
slumber of Mr. Fullerton, or of the commander, until we got close to
see whether the stranger looks in the least like the 'Juanita.'"
"I don't believe the 'Juanita' is anywhere on this wide ocean," muttered
Eph, stifling a yawn.
"It doesn't look that way," smiled Hastings.
Down before the wheelhouse a bell began to sound briskly.
"Eight bells; your watch, Mr. Somers," announced Hastings.
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