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 began smiling when he thought what a bewildering mystery the vessel had been, and how very simple was the explanation.

By this time Caradoc had joined the two men, hoping to snatch a sandwich and a cup of coffee before he was needed again.

“Have we plenty of coal, mate?”

“Bunkers are 'arf full, sir.”

“What's she turning over now?”

“Six, seventy-five to th' minute, sir.” There was a pause, then Malone asked, “Is there any 'opes of them running out o' fuel?”

“Not likely; they make the trip to Hamburg, you know.”

They were just turning into the smelly galley, when a startled voice sang out forward:

“Sail ahoy!”

This stopped the trio instantly.

“Where away?” called Caradoc.

“Dead ahead, sor!”

All three turned and went running back updeck. When they regained the bridge, Madden stared in the direction indicated. At first the western horizon looked empty, then along its level line his eye caught two tiny marks