He saw the flash again, and in a moment realized that some one out there, probably beyond the reefs, was using a regular code of signals, a thing he had himself done with his pocket electric light.
Having had this experience he was familiar with the code, and at once began to read the message sent by those outside, whoever they might be.
"That cannot be the steamer Mr. Smith has sent," he mused. "No, of course not. 'Where are you? Am dodging government vessel.' Why, that must be one of the smugglers that the captain told us about. But where is the man he is signaling? I wish I could tell that."
The signals ceased, but presently the lights flashed again, and Jack read the message:
"Why don't you answer? Am waiting."
"My word! I believe the fellow takes our lights for the smuggler's, and thinks that he is in here. It would be just the place for him. By Jove! I have a mind to answer him myself, and get him in here. Then we could get out. Even if a smuggler takes us out that is better than waiting."
His pocket flash was in a convenient place, and he quickly got it out and flashed out through the port:
"In the bay. Come inside."
After sending this message he waited a few minutes, and then saw the reply being flashed to him:
"Cannot. Don't know the passage. Come out"