The young woman realised that she must do as her husband advised, and regretfully she said:

“Let us go.”

Suddenly the boatswain sprang to his feet, and making an ear-trumpet of his hand, listened intently.

A report, muffled by the distance, was audible from the north.

“A gun!” exclaimed John Block.

CHAPTER X
THE FLAG ON THE PEAK

All stood motionless, their hearts tense with excitement, their eyes turned towards the northern horizon, listening intently, scarcely breathing.

In the distance a few more shots rang out, the sound borne to them on the faint breath of the breeze.

“It’s a ship passing off the coast!” said Captain Gould at length.

“Yes; those reports can only come from a ship,” John Block replied; “when night falls, perhaps we shall see her lights.”