“They are not understandable, these Germans,” he commented.
“Here comes it anudder message,” struck in Hans, holding up his hand to enjoin silence.
They all looked over his shoulder as he wrote rapidly.
“Your last warning. Heave to or take the consequences.”
It was signed as before by the commander of the Berwick.
“My friends, this captain had better heed that warning,” said de Garros. “Englishmen are not in zee habit of what zee call ‘bluffing.’”
But when Jack came back from the bridge, whither he had sped at once with the message, it was to report the captain as obdurate as ever. His only comment had been to call for more speed.
“I guess he thinks we can show that cruiser a clean pair of heels,” said Raynor.
“That looks to be the size of it,” agreed Jack, “but he is taking desperate chances. Let’s go outside and see the fun.”
The cruiser was coming toward them on an oblique line now. From her stern flowed the red cross of St. George on a white field, the naval flag of England. They watched her narrowly for some minutes and then Jack exclaimed: