"Hoist away!" ordered the lieutenant, himself giving a hand on the halliard.
Up the signal mast went the line of bunting, fluttering. The little flags spelled out this message to the gunboat:
"Evidence of serious foul play. Join us to investigate."
Almost immediately there came a signal from the bridge of the gunboat, to show that the message had been read.
Jack was now slowing down speed, making ready to lie to, a hundred yards or less from the floating torpedo.
"Mr. Farnum, Hal's always at his post," said Jack, "but call down to him to be sure to stick particularly close for the next few minutes. If the wind shifts, and heads that torpedo our way, I want to be sure of instant speed for getting out of the way."
The gunboat was now cruising leisurely over to where the "Hastings" waited. Danvers signed to the officer on the "Oakland's" bridge to keep an especial eye on the floating torpedo.
As the "Oakland" slowed up, a cutter, in charge of an ensign, put away from the gunboat's side.
"Ensign," shouted Lieutenant Danvers, "we shall feel obliged if you can lie alongside of that torpedo, and render the war-head harmless. We believe the torpedo to be fully loaded, and ready for instant action."
"I'll do what I can, sir, and as promptly as possible," replied the ensign, saluting his superior officer.