The ships were too far distant and the night was too dark, however, to permit him to ascertain the identity of the approaching vessels.
"May be the enemy, Jack," said Frank.
"Right," Jack agreed.
A shrill whistle rang out on the Essex.
This was the answer to Jack's order to pipe the crew to quarters.
"Clear ship for action!" was Jack's next command.
"If it is the enemy," he confided to Frank, "we'll try and keep him engaged until reinforcements arrive."
"It may not be so hard, after all," Frank said "They may turn and beat a retreat when they find they are discovered."
"Not if there is only one of us," said Jack. "Pass the word to the forward lookout to sing out as soon as he can identify the enemy. I'll flash my light on them. He may be able to make them out."
The huge searchlight of the Essex flashed forth across the water, and played upon the approaching ships.