"What is it?" he demanded.
"Small craft of some kind bearing down on us, sir," he replied quickly. "She'll bump us!"
Lord Hastings took in the situation at a glance. Less than 150 yards away a small object was coming toward The Hawk.
Lord Hastings gave a quick command.
"Full speed ahead!" he cried, and in response to this command, The Hawk leaped forward.
Lord Hastings hurled a second quick command to the man at the wheel, and The Hawk came about in a broad circle; and at the same instant a blinding glare flashed into the faces of all aboard.
A searchlight from the other craft had been turned upon them, lighting The Hawk up like day, while all those aboard could see was the blinding glare, the other boat being shielded by this light.
A shot rang out over the water—the sound of a heavy gun.
Lord Hastings took prompt action, in spite of the fact he could not make out the enemy.
"Turn the searchlight on him!" he shouted.