"Strange," muttered Lord Hastings; "I could have sworn I heard something moving through the water."
He gave the command to go ahead again; but less than five moments later once more brought The Hawk to a pause.
"I am sure I heard something," he said to Frank, who stood near him.
"I thought I did myself, that time," replied the lad. "Sounded like a boat, and not a great distance away."
"We shall have to be careful," said his commander. "I know that there is not another British vessel in these waters to-night. If there is a second craft out here, it must be an enemy."
"Shall we flash our light about?" asked Frank.
"And betray our own presence? Not much. No; we shall just remain here for half an hour and see if we can't pick up the other fellow in the darkness."
Again the silence of death hung over The Hawk.
Then, suddenly, Jack, aft, gave a subdued exclamation.
Lord Hastings hurried to his side.