For an hour Jack scanned the horizon without making out a ship; then, directly ahead, he saw a cloud of smoke.
"Must be a ship!" he muttered to himself, and turned to arouse Frank. Then he drew back, muttering: "No, there is no need to wake him! He's tired out.
"Besides, the ship may not sight us, in which case he would be bitterly disappointed."
Slowly the cloud of smoke grew larger, until at length Jack was certain that the vessel was bearing down on them. As it drew closer, he saw that the approaching ship was a cruiser; and as it drew still closer, that it was British.
Then he bent over and aroused Frank.
"Look!" he said, pointing across the water, "what do you think of that?"
Frank was wide awake in an instant
"A British cruiser," he ejaculated, "and coming right toward us.
If she keeps on her course we are sure to be seen."
Frank sprang to the little sail and tore it down. Then each lad picked up a coat, and standing at his full height, waved the garment and yelled lustily.
For some moments this was unrewarded. Then the boys saw signs of excitement aboard the cruiser, and a big gun boomed—