"No."
"Then good-by. We're the Asia, and we'll have a good joke on you."
The captain of the Umbria muttered some improper words, and gave the order to go ahead.
Soon the mighty machinery began to creak and groan, and the good ship was speedily flying across the ocean at the rate of sixteen knots.
The vessels parted, their lights grew dim in the distance, and the captain had full leisure to vent his displeasure upon those who deserved it.
He sought the quartermaster, who was still busy in his cabin.
"Why did you send me the wrong signals?" he demanded.
"I pointed to the locker, sir, and told the boy to help himself. He must have mistaken the lights."
"Yes, and a nice laughingstock he has made of us."
"What did you send up, sir?"