The meal was nearly over when Lancarrow, the wireless man, knocked and entered the cabin.
"Message just received, sir," he announced unconcernedly.
Captain Restronguet opened the envelope and scanned its contents. Although his eyes lightened with satisfaction he said not a word till the man had retired.
"News of the 'Vorwartz,' gentlemen," he exclaimed. "She is reported to be operating off the entrance to Valetta Harbour, Malta. Holed the torpedo-boat-destroyer 'Tamar,' did considerable damage to the oil-tank vessel 'Petrolia,' so that the ship had to be beached in Bighi Bay. After that she slipped off. An aero-hydroplane followed her for an hour in an easterly direction. The 'Vorwartz' then dived much deeper and was lost sight off."
"What is she doing in the Mediterranean, sir?" asked Devoran. "That doesn't look as if she's returning to Sumatran waters."
"Unless she goes through the Suez Canal," added Kenwyn.
"She won't try that game," said Captain Restronguet. "There's not enough water in the canal. If she does we have been saved an unpleasant task, for the authorities will blow her to atoms."
"Now what is to be done, sir?" asked the chief officer.
Captain Restronguet paused a few moments before replying.
"The shafting is now all right, Mr. Devoran?"