Once more the Jeanne resumed her way in the midst of the protecting convoys, the value of which had been amply demonstrated. And when all was once more quiet on board, Blake and his chums resumed their talk about what was best to do regarding what they had observed just before the setting off of the depth charge.
"I think we ought to tell the captain," said Charlie.
"So do I," added Joe.
"And I agree with the majority," said Blake. "Captain Merceau shall be informed."
The commander was greatly astonished when told what the boys had seen. He questioned them at length, and made sure there could have been no mistake.
"And they gave a signal," mused the captain. "It hardly seems possible!"
"It was Labenstein who actually flashed the light," said Blake. "Do you know anything about him, Captain Merceau?"
"Nothing more than that his papers, passport, and so on are in proper shape. He is a citizen of your own country, and appeared to be all right, or he would not have been permitted to take passage with us. I am astounded!"
"What about the Frenchman?" asked Joe.
"Him I know," declared the captain. "Not well, but enough to say that I would have ventured everything on his honor. It does not seem possible that he can be a traitor!"