"I suppose they're saluting," exclaimed Spencer somewhat uncertainly.
Ben Wood said nothing, but with a quick jerk turned the telescope to the right and began examining the transport-ships.
"Heavens," he shouted, "they mean business. I can see shells splashing into the water in front of the Olympia—no, there in the middle—away back there, too— One of the transports listed. What can it mean? Can they be Japanese?"
Again the roar of guns rolled across the quiet waters.
"Now the Olympia is beginning to shoot," cried Ben Wood. "Oh, that shot struck the turret. Great, that must have done some good work! But what in Heaven's name are we going to do?"
Lieutenant Spencer answered by pushing the light-house keeper, who was in abject fear, aside, and rushing to the telephone. Trembling with excitement, he stamped his foot and swore loudly when no notice was taken of his ring.
"All asleep over there as usual! Ah, at last!"
"Halloo! what's up?"
"This is the light-house. Notify the commander at Corpus Christi at once that the Japanese are in the roads and are attacking the transports."
Over in Corpus Christi people began to collect on the piers, the bells stopped ringing, but the sound of bugles could still be heard coming from the encampments.