Mabel repeated it and the captain listened attentively.
“To tell the truth,” he said, “this may be more serious than I supposed. If Germany is bent upon drawing the United States into the war, the Yucatan may not surrender so easily.”
“You don’t mean she is likely to fight?” asked Mr. Willing in some alarm.
“That’s just what I mean,” was the reply.
And Captain Ainslee proved a good prophet.
It was well after noon when a cry from the lookout brought all to deck.
“Steamer off the port bow!” it came.
The two girls rushed to the deck with the others. The ships were still too far apart for those aboard the cruiser to make out the other plainly, and the wireless was immediately put in action.
“German converted cruiser Kaiserin!” came the reply to Captain Ainslee’s message.
“I desire to come aboard you,” was the message flashed back. “Heave to!”