"Motor boat 'John Duncan' on the port bow, two points off and bearing this way, sir," reported the bow watch.
Darrin turned quickly, bending to glance under the boom, for the mainsail was in his way.
What he saw made him dart quickly forward, to take up his stand by the mast.
"Pass me the megaphone, Mr. Dalzell," he requested.
With this mouth-piece in hand, Dave watched the nearing craft.
The "Duncan" was a semi-speed boat, some forty-five feet over all, without cabin, and carrying only a sprayhood forward to protect its engine.
Two men appeared in the boat—Mr Salisbury, the owner, and his engineer. The latter was steering at this time.
Chug-chug-chug! came the fast craft.
Dave waited, well knowing that his hail could not carry to either engineer or owner over the noise that the "Duncan's" engine was making.
Farley stood close to Dave watching. The tillerman also had his eye on the approaching craft. The other midshipmen, telling stories or staring out over the water, paid little heed. There could be no danger from the motor boat. Both the owner and engineer were well known, in these waters, as capable boat handlers and as men of judgment.