The Admiral presently disappeared from the deck, but at length they saw him there again, talking with Captain Wade and his officers; then, in a few moments he and his staff re-embarked and returned to the flag-ship.
"What's going to be done now?" asked one and another.
"Watch, and you will see presently," said Captain Raymond. "If you do not wish to miss something, I advise you to keep both eyes and ears open."
The advice seemed to be promptly followed. All eyes gazed intently in the direction of the "Wanita" and the flag-ship.
Presently a signal was shown by the flag-ship which Captain Raymond promptly interpreted for the enlightenment of those about him,—"Abandon ship."
"What does that mean, Papa?" asked Grace.
"Look and see if you can't find out for yourself," he answered in a pleasant tone.
The signal seemed to have caused a commotion on the deck of each vessel belonging to the squadron. Then there was a great splashing of boats into the water, and of other craft which the Captain explained were life-rafts and catamarans; while at the same time men and boys were scampering about with various articles which he said were provisions, nautical instruments, etc., such as would be needed if the ships were really abandoned out at sea.
"But why would they ever do that, Papa?" Grace asked wonderingly. "I should think it would always be better to stay in their ships, wouldn't it?"