The terms were accepted, and the engineers and stokers were marched aft and confined on the orlop-deck, stringent precautions being taken to prevent treachery. Thus all resistance was at an end. The Dutch engineers and firemen from the Vulkan and her consort were sent below in watches, and although short-handed and unused to the turbine engines and the oil-fed furnaces, stuck bravely to their task. Then, at a speed of twelve knots, the Impregnable steamed stern-foremost towards the port of Halifax.
* * * * *
Although nothing had been heard of the pirate-cruiser for several days, the British vessels engaged in patrolling the Atlantic did not relax their vigilance.
The captain of the scout Cerberus was of opinion that the quarry had gone north, and Drake was also of the same mind. Accordingly, having obtained permission from the commander of the cruiser squadron to take an independent course, the Cerberus pelted northwards.
Every day the four aero-hydroplanes were exercised, the little craft often making extended passages and ascending to a great height. Being fitted with wireless and taking different directions, they were able to keep observation over a wide area, returning every night to their parent ship.
Flight after flight was made, but nothing to break the vast circle of open sea was visible. Nevertheless Drake, always optimistic, felt confident of success. He had a presentiment that he was destined to bring the pirate cruiser to book.
"If that's not a vessel, I'm a Dutchman!" he exclaimed, lapsing into his favourite expression. He pointed to a faint blur on the horizon fully forty miles off. The atmosphere was exceptionally clear, and at the elevation of 1,000 ft. at which the Mosquito flew, the cloud of distant vapour was bound to attract the crew's attention.
"Yes, sir, it's a craft of some sorts," replied the chief petty officer who was responsible for the working of the planes and rudders. "But 'tisn't to say it's the pirate."
"We'll soon see," said Drake, cheerfully, and at a speed of fifty knots the aero-hydroplane dashed on her errand of investigation.
Drake had definite orders not to attack—he was merely to locate the much-looked-for cruiser and summon the Cerberus by wireless. This done the scout was to take possession of the pirate-cruiser by a plan that had been carefully worked out beforehand.