"Perhaps; and I hope they think we have a dozen. They will then imagine their costly warships of no value against such an enemy, and consequently be glad to treat for peace."
Using the wireless telegraphy system on the admiral's flagship, Oscar sent word to Bridgeport arsenal to send him at once a large quantity of torpedoes and dynamite bombs, and also a new style of bomb called highite.
Highite was a new explosive, of which much was expected. A highite shell when it exploded sent hundreds of little shells forth in a circle, which exploded an instant later.
"That is what we ought to have had in Cuban waters," said Andy. "We could then have made those Japanese sick."
A week elapsed before the ammunition reached the new Holland and was stored on board.
In the meantime it was learned that the fleet of the enemy had turned southward, probably with the intention of landing on the New England coast.
The fastest despatch boats in our naval service were sent out to watch the enemy, and at the same time the new Holland was ordered southward, to be in readiness at any time the hostile fleet should show itself too close to our shores.
CHAPTER X.
THE FRAUDULENT MESSAGE.
Four days later found the Holland lying snugly concealed in the waters of Cape Cod harbor.