The watch officer raised his megaphone, pointing it up into the air.
"Look sharp two points to starboard. See if you can pick up a light. Keep your eyes open. Boatswain's mate!"
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Station men all the way up the mast to pass the word down in case any lights are made out. I'll never hear the word shouted from up there in this howling gale."
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Green light four points off the starboard bow," howled Sam Hickey.
"Green-light-off-the-starboard-bow," sang a chorus of voices from somewhere far up in the steel mast.
"Man in the top says it's a rocket, sir," was passed down from mouth to mouth.
"Aye, aye, I saw it," answered the watch officer. "Pass the word up to hold the watch. Messenger!"
"Aye, aye, sir."