"To attach to the end of the line that you have just fastened to the rail," replied the captain.
The captain sprang out through the open door, and attached one of the life belts to the end of the line. The boys now noticed the coil of rope, which must have been more than a hundred feet in length.
"I wonder what that is for?" asked Alfred, as the captain disappeared.
"There," said the captain, as he again appeared at the door. "If she goes down that preserver will tell them where to fish for her."
"Do you think there is any danger?" asked Ralph.
"I do not know; I am not taking any chances. I have my opinion, though," replied the captain thoughtfully.
"Do you think they are going to blow up the vessel?" asked Alfred.
"No; but I am inclined to think that they have not been able to disconnect the automatic fuse, or, that the death of the lieutenant, if such should be the case, has prevented them from finding the secret key, and,——"
"That the sub-lieutenant has actually gone mad," interrupted Ralph.
The captain nodded, and continued: "Although they deserve death, still, I am not a barbarian, and shall give them a chance for their lives," and, saying this, he moved through the door, and, sighting a large steamer, gave a signal. Once, twice, three times he moved the flag from right to left. Almost immediately there was a response and two short whistles responded.