"She's been on the rescuing stunt, sir," observed Holcombe.
"P'r'aps," added Aubyn. "And when there's nothing about she'll start sinking them. Greek, yes—perhaps. More than likely a Levantine in German or Turkish pay."
Asked by International Code to make her number, the felucca ran up a hoist of four flags. Reference to the signal book did not elucidate matters, for the letters comprising the vessel's "number" did not appear upon the latest edition of the code book.
"Her deck is simply crowded," reported Holcombe.
"Rescued Tommies," explained the lieutenant commander.
"And men in naval rig, as well as a sprinkling of picturesque-looking villains, sir," continued the sub. "Unless I'm much mistaken she's carrying a couple of guns."
Visions of the prospect of capturing an armed raider, albeit a small one, flashed across Aubyn's mind. At this pleasurable anticipation he displayed his white teeth in a broad smile.
"Signal her to heave to until the weather moderates," he ordered. "The 'Antigone' and 'Amaxila' can't be so very far off. When they put in an appearance we can board the felucca while they buzz round for Fritzes."
"Those fellows in the boats are having a rough time," remarked Holcombe. "They're riding to sea-anchors, but there's plenty of water breaking inboard."
"Yes," agreed the skipper of the "Antipas," who knew by experience what life on board an open boat in a heavy sea meant. "But for the present we can do nothing. A boat load of landlubbers trying to board us with this tumble on would stand as much chance as a cripple trying to climb Nelson's Monument."