Have you seen the smoke signal
yonder?" and he pointed across the bay.
"Yes. Tollemache found it again, twenty minutes since."
"It means that eleven of our men are there, expecting us to save them.
Hoist the ship's answering pennant from the main yard swung out to
starboard. Build a small fire on the poop and throw some oil and
lampblack on it. If they don't recognize the pennant they will
understand the smoke. Get some food and water stowed in the life-boat,
and offer five pounds a head to six men who will volunteer for a trip
ashore."
"I go in charge, of course, sir?" said Boyle.
"You remain here, and take command during my absence. I want two
revolvers for a couple of the crew, and I shall take my own gun.
Please make all arrangements promptly. I am going to my cabin for five
minutes, and shall start immediately afterwards."
This was the captain speaking. His tone admitted of no contention.
Boyle hurried off, and Courtenay went into his quarters.
"What do you think of it?" Christobal asked Tollemache, as the latter
appeared to be sauntering after the chief officer.
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