Captain Yetsom handed the glass and waited the result of Justin’s inspection.
Justin pointed the instrument and took deliberate sight at the chase. He viewed it attentively for a minute and then returned the telescope to the owner, saying quietly:
“You are not on a false scent, captain.”
“Eh? What do you make of her?”
“The Sea Scourge.”
“Are you quite certain?”
“Quite. I cannot be mistaken. Indeed, I recognized her by naked eye from her general appearance. And when I brought the glass to bear upon her, I knew her also by individual marks.”
The captain of the Xyphias waited to hear no more. He laid down his telescope, sprang upon the poop deck, and drew out his speaking trumpet.
As the men had scarcely taken their eyes off their captain during the fifteen minutes of suspense in which they stood idly at their quarters, there was no need to call their attention.
The captain put the speaking trumpet to his lips, and thundered forth the words: