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96 to make a safe trip, and he often came on deck to aid the lookouts in watching for the possible appearance of an enemy.

"If you see the least thing that looks suspicious, tell me at once," was his order, and it was strictly obeyed. As a consequence they ran away from two steamers that afternoon and another steamer the next morning—all too far off to show exactly what they were.

"This isn't bringing us much nearer to port," said Larry to Cal Vincent, who was using the glass at the time. "I don't believe we have made a dozen knots since yesterday."

"Well, the old man is a bit nervous," responded the boatswain, in a low voice. "And I don't blame him. It's no small matter to lose your craft and be thrown into prison in the bargain."

"Would they dare to throw us into prison?"

"To be sure,—if they could prove that we were aiding the Japs."

"Well, they'll have hard work proving that."

An hour went by and it began to grow misty. Then came a call from the bow.

"Sail in sight!"

"What is it?" demanded the captain instantly.

"A big steamer o' some sort."

Captain Ponsberry ran forward and took the glass.