All at once it straightened out and darted away off toward Gardiner's Island, where the target could be faintly made out through the officer's powerful glasses. The gyroscope, with which all torpedoes are equipped, caused the projectile to right itself. At its rear end might be seen, in that brief glance, a propeller whirling so rapidly as to cause the water to boil, the propeller being operated by a compressed-air engine within the shell of the torpedo itself.
After righting itself the torpedo dived under the water several feet, but its course could be followed by the foam it left in its path.
One of the dinghies, far out, lay too close to the course, the captain thought.
"Signalman—where's that signalman?" he shouted.
"He's coming, sir."
Hickey's red head appeared through the open hatchway, followed by the body of the limping Sam.
"Get on your station!" commanded the captain. "What's the matter with you?"
"I got shot off the signal box, sir."
"Shot off the signal box!" grumbled the commanding officer, in a tone of disgust. "Are you able to use the flag?"
"Yes, sir."