Aboard the motorboats all was peacefully quiet. The men not on duty were idling about and talking.
Suddenly Edwards, who stood forward on The Hawk, caught the peculiar fluttering of the signal flags aboard the Glasgow.
"Glasgow signalling, sir," he reported to Lord Hastings.
Lord Hastings quickly drew the attention of Commander Thompson to the Glasgow's signals, at the same time deciphering them for Frank and Jack.
The first signal read:
"Small vessel dead ahead."
Commander Thompson flashed back his response:
"Submarine?"
"Can't make out yet," was the answer.
There was some further wig-wagging; and then the need for this means of communication suddenly ceased.