The hands on deck, surprised by the sudden change of course, were clamouring to know why the pursuit had been abandoned.
"Why?" shouted the gunner. "'Cause we're being chased. No blessed Dago destroyer this time, but a British cruiser. We'll have to be mighty smart to dodge the white ensign."
"She's spotted us!" exclaimed Pengelly, in a high-pitched voice. "The Bronx City is slewing round, too. Confound Cain! If he'd crippled the Bronx City instead of just running her gently on the mud, there'd have been none of this business."
"We'll be glad to have Cain on board before long," said the bo'sun, who had joined Pengelly and the gunner on the bridge. "I reckon our only chance is to submerge. Without Cain, how's it to be done? You couldn't take her down, nor can I."
"Soundings are too deep for diving in any case," declared Pengelly. "Seems to me we're holding her, even if we aren't gaining. What's the time?"
"Close on one bell," replied the bo'sun.
"Time to make Bahia Arenas well before dark then," continued Pengelly. "See here, Mr. Barnard, go aft and sound that swine Cain. Don't tell him I sent you, but ask him if he'll take charge of the ship for submerging."
The bo'sun departed on his errand. Presently he returned.
"Cap'n Cain says he'll consider the matter if you go and ask him yourself," he announced.
"Then you'd better go," added Marchant.