From those on the merchantman Oscar learned that over thirty of the foreign warships had been seen off the Golden Gate, and that San Francisco and Oakland were expecting a bombardment to begin at any moment.
"If that's the case we have no right to delay here," said the young captain.
Soon the Holland XI. was again speeding eastward.
A sharp lookout was kept for the foreign ships.
That evening they came upon half a dozen, riding close together.
Small boats were passing from one warship to another, as if an active consultation of some sort was going on.
"They are plotting something special, and I know it," said Oscar to Andy.
"What could they plot—the bombardment of San Francisco?"
"Perhaps worse. I wish I could find out."
No sooner had the thought entered the young captain's head than he resolved to act upon it.