“Not right now,” said the commander softly. “There are lights of some kind over to our left.”
Tim turned sharply. Low in the water, and far out, he caught the faint glow of lights.
“The Iron Mate?” he asked breathlessly.
“Perhaps. We’ll have to wait until dawn to know the truth.”
“It may be some passing steamer.”
“These are dangerous waters. Regular traffic keeps away from this section of the coast.”
Tim watched the lights intently. They were barely moving, but it seemed as though they were coming nearer.
There was a faint glow in the east when Commander Ford spoke again.
“Go below and rout out the crew. Tell Joe Gartner I want arms issued to every man. As soon as that is done I want him up here for final instructions.”
Tim shot down the ladder into the control room, landing with a bang that resounded through the interior. He raced back to the crew’s quarters. Men, only half awake, tumbled from their bunks.