Amos had become intensely interested in a black smudge which, through his powerful binoculars, he had just discovered on the horizon. He found himself wondering what kind of vessel was leaving that low trail of smoke behind it. Was it a dreadnaught carrying the British Union Jack or just a transport bearing more forces of the Allies to help beat a way through the rock-bound strait that barred the route to Constantinople?
The captain and crew were still engaged forward, though occasionally the former would think to glance in the direction where his young passenger stood, glass in hand. Amos never forgot to carry out his scheme and make a great show of speaking to some one close by.
He had reason to believe that the little game quite deceived the skipper, for, to the boy’s relief, Captain Zenos made no effort to approach him on some plea or other, but really to investigate.
Why was Jack so long, Amos asked himself, and then decided it was his own impatience that made the seconds seem like minutes. Jack had to proceed with a due amount of caution; and, having accomplished his purpose, he might be expected back at any time now.
Even as Amos told himself this he heard a slight movement behind him, and, turning, discovered his chum. The first thing that struck him as particularly suggestive was the sober look on Jack’s face.
“He has found something out, that’s sure,” Amos told himself, with a sensation akin to a shiver running over his system; but it was the thrill of excitement and not fear that caused him to grit his teeth in expectancy.
In another minute Jack was beside him again.
“Give me the glass, and be pointing something out,” said the latter. “He’s watching us. Yes, I can see that smoke low down on the horizon; and the chances are it’s made by a British battleship going to or coming from the island where we understand they do all their repairs after being struck and damaged.”
“Did you find out anything?” asked the eager Amos.
“I sure did,” he was told.