One of the seamen now stood by to swing the searchlight under Eph's orders.
By the time that the submarine reached the mouth of the bay the light faintly picked up a spread of white sail, off to the East.
“That's the knockabout,” cried Eph, excitedly. [pg 186] “Now, see here, keep that ray right across the boat as soon as we get half a mile nearer.”
“It'll show the boat that you're chasing 'em, sir,” advised the midshipman.
“I know it,” admitted Eph. “But it will also keep the rascals from dumping my friends overboard without our catching 'em at it.”
“What do you think the men in charge of that boat are, sir—pirates?”
“They're mighty close to it, if they've shanghaied Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings and put to sea with 'em,” rejoined Eph. Then he rang for more speed. Down below, Williamson almost instantly responded. The “Farnum” now fairly leaped through the water.
“Turn the light on the knockabout, now, and keep it there,” directed the submarine boy.
There was a seven-knot breeze blowing. At the speed at which the submarine boat was traveling the distance was soon covered.
And now the searchlight revealed two men in the standing-room of the sloop, one of whom, a bearded man, was looking backward over his wake much of the time.