“Soul of old Neptune! It is the Aurelian, mates!”
The announcement was like a dynamite bomb to the others.
“The Aurelian!” gasped Clifford.
“Are you sure of it?” cried Frank, eagerly.
“Of course I am; don’t you suppose I would know my own ship in any part of the world?” cried Hartley, indignantly.
“You ought to,” agreed Frank, “and your assertion is proved, for there is the name!”
This was true.
Upon the stern of the passing vessel was the name “Aurelian.” That she was Gilbert Parker’s ship was a dead certainty.
That she had meant to run the submarine boat down was also a sure thing. It was an atrocious purpose, and made Frank’s blood boil.
“The mean wretch!” he cried, angrily, “he certainly meant to run us down.”