"Quarter less ten," was the answer.
"That is plenty of water. No cause for alarm there. Tell the engineer to go ahead."
The "Long Island" took a bone in her teeth at once, and began forging ahead.
"Signals again, sir."
"What is it?"
"Signalman wig-wags that there is a deep hole about where you are now. On the other side of it is shoal water."
"Back both engines, full speed!" commanded the captain with almost explosive force. "Keep casting your lead! Tell me when she begins to go astern."
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Do you know of any shoal in here, Lieutenant Douglas?" questioned the captain of the navigator.
"No, sir; there is nothing on the chart to show it. I guess the boy is in error."