He was peering eagerly through the gloom at a point just off the starboard bow.
“What is the matter here?” harshly exclaimed Lieutenant Watson. “Who gave that alarm?”
Clif turned and leaped lightly to the deck. One hand came up to the rim of his cap in prompt salute, then he replied, in a clear, strong voice:
“I gave the alarm, sir.”
“What for?”
“Because I sighted a ship dead ahead, sir. We were almost on top of her when she disappeared.”
The executive officer made a gesture of impatience.
“This is sheer nonsense, Mr. Faraday,” he exclaimed. “You have been dreaming.”
“Dreaming, sir?”