There was a rush to the scuttle, but the field of visible horizon was limited, and nothing could be seen that could give the reason for the discharge of the gun. The firing from the cruiser and the slowing-down showed that the Independencia had overhauled another craft and was not the pursued craft.
"It's another liner being nabbed!" exclaimed Cardyke.
CHAPTER XII
THE "DUKE OF NEGROPONT"
Bang! went another quickfirer, and the accompanying screech denoted the fact that the pirates had let loose a shell. Another and another, followed by a couple of detonations and the rending of steel as the powerful missile burst.
Then the Independencia turned 45 degs. to port, and the object of her unwelcome attentions came into the view of the prisoners in the cabin.
"You're right, Cardyke," exclaimed the sub. "It's a West Indian liner; I can see by her funnels."
"British," announced the mid., as a waft of air partially cleared the smoke that was issuing from her steerage, revealing the red ensign fluttering from her ensign-staff. "They've blown her bridge and chart-house to smithereens."
"And planked a couple of shells through her quarters," added Fielding. "I wonder she doesn't make a dash for it, instead of slowing down."