“Perhaps this experience will teach you to heed the advice of others, daughter,” said Mr. Willing dryly.
“I won’t try and play the good Samaritan to native children any more, Dad,” said Shirley smiling.
A long blast from the ship’s whistle, followed by the clanking of chains as the anchor was drawn in, the vibrations of the engines became noticeable, and, with her nose pointed to the open sea, the steamship Yucatan resumed her journey.
CHAPTER XIV.—U. S. S. PRAIRIE.
“Steamship off the port bow, sir!”
It was the cry of the lookout.
All eyes were turned in the direction indicated. There, showing dimly through the gathering darkness, steamed a dark gray shape. Another glance from the lookout was enough to convince him of the vessel’s identity.
“United States cruiser, sir!” came his call.
“Can you make her out?” asked the captain’s voice from the bridge.
The lookout was silent for several minutes, and then called back: