CHAPTER XI
THE WARNING GIVEN
"Land Ho!"
The cry came from the forward lookout, posted aloft.
Jack clapped his binoculars to his eyes and gazed earnestly ahead.
"Where do you make our position, sir?" asked Lieutenant Hetherton.
"Off the Virginia Capes," was Jack's reply. "We should pick up Fort Monroe before noon."
Jack was a good prophet. It still lacked half an hour of midday when the outlines of the historic fortress at Old Point became distinguishable in the distance.
The Essex slipped quietly through the smooth waters of Hampton Roads and dropped anchor some distance off shore. At Jack's command the launch was made ready, and leaving Lieutenant Hetherton in command, Jack motioned Frank to follow him into the launch.
A moment later they were gliding shoreward through the water.