Page:Cornelia Meigs--The island of Appledore.djvu/214

194 just the moment when it was light enough for observation, for he pulled the glasses from his  pocket, adjusted them, and looked long and  earnestly out to sea. Then he handed them to Billy.

“Sight straight across the point,” he directed, “above that scrub pine. What do you make of it?”

Billy looked and gave an unrestrained shout of joy. Within the dancing field of the glasses he could see the big, white yacht plunging  through the heavy seas, while on either side  and just ahead of her three dark vessels were  swiftly drawing in.

“I wondered why they were so slow there at the Naval Station when I sent my message,”  remarked the Captain. “I see now that they were taking no chances, but were seeing to it  the yacht was headed off this time. Hark!”

The wind had shifted and was blowing hard in shore. It carried to them a faint sound— “boom,” and then again—“boom.”

“They are firing on her,” shouted Billy, dancing up and down with excitement. Johann had the glasses now, and was looking through them intently.