The raider had finally started away from the vicinity, leaving the crews of the two boats to shift for themselves. It was her only chance for escape, for the destroyer could outsteam the Sea Pigeon, fast as she was.
A fortunate shot knocked away the jury smokestack which had been put in place of the one the destroyer had previously smashed. Interior damage was done by this shell, too. This was immediately apprehended by the raider’s movements.
“Hold fire!” commanded the executive officer of the Colodia. Signals were sent up ordering the German to surrender. Almost at once a white ensign was displayed, and at the sight of it the destroyer’s crew went mad with excitement.
Better than merely sinking the Sea Pigeon—they had captured her! Their work of five weeks at sea, away from their base, had ended gloriously. The raider doubtless had a valuable cargo, and the fact that she would be put out of commission was a heavy blow to the German arms.
Swiftly the destroyer approached and, at a certain distance, sent a boat off to the Sea Pigeon to bring her captain and a part of her force aboard the American ship. But Commander Lang, understanding fully the anxiety of Phil Morgan and George Belding, ordered another motor boat launched and allowed them to be members of her crew. She was sent directly to the sailing ship which now lay about two miles away.
Passing the two lifeboats, Ensign MacMasters, who was in command of the launch, questioned briefly their frightened crews. At first they denied that they were mutineers. They declared the raider had commanded them to abandon their ship and row aboard the Sea Pigeon.
But when they were asked the name of the sailing ship, and other pertinent queries, the sailors broke down. All but their leader.
Suddenly George Belding uttered an exclamation of surprise.
“Phil! Phil Morgan!” he shouted, forgetting in his excitement to address their commanding officer. “Don’t you know that fellow steering the second boat?”
“I see him,” returned Whistler. “I—I do know him! Mr. MacMasters! That is the spy from the Zeppelin we told you about!”