M. Zermatt's heart beat fast when he drew alongside the end of the island; and it was at the top of their speed that he and Jack climbed the little hill.
Outside the hangar they stopped. From that point their eyes swept the wide horizon between the eastern cape and False Hope Point.
Not a sail was to be seen upon the sea, which was still rolling heavily far out.
Just as they were about to go inside the hangar M. Zermatt said for the last time to Jack:
"You are quite sure you heard——"
"Absolutely positive," Jack answered. "They really were reports that came from the eastward."
"God grant it!" said M. Zermatt.
As the guns had been reloaded by Fritz they only needed to have the match applied.
"Jack," said M. Zermatt, "you are to fire two shots at an interval of two minutes, and then you will reload the first gun and fire a third time."
"Very well, papa," Jack replied; "and you?"