"So did I," nodded the captain. "Your suppositions were wise. Knowing of the shoal place, you kept watch of us?"
"Yes, sir."
"How did you discover our danger from where you were?"
"I took shore sights as I went out, so that I might be able to locate the shoal if needed."
The eyes of the commanding officer gleamed with appreciation.
"You saw us heading on to it!"
"Yes, sir, I was watching you through the glass. When I saw that you were going to strike it, if you kept your course, I took the great liberty of warning you."
"Thank you, my lad. A board of inquiry will sit and pass upon the accident. That will, no doubt, be done within the next twenty-four hours. Other ships of the fleet will be in this afternoon, and the court will probably sit early to-morrow morning."
"And now, my lad," continued the captain, "I wish to express my deep appreciation for what you have done."
"I have done nothing, sir, except my duty, and I am not sure but that I have exceeded the limits of good discipline in that."