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182 suspense. "I can see all four of the vessels as plain as day, and—yes, there's another! What in the world can this mean? Larry, if I was a drinking man, I would say I had 'em bad," concluded the Yankee sailor, as he raised himself up as high as possible, his eyes meanwhile almost starting from his head.

Another five minutes passed, and the vessels came closer, until they could readily see the black smoke pouring from their funnels. The five vessels were sweeping along in almost a semicircle, and now Striker declared he could see more smoke to the rear.

"If only they see us!" cried Larry, in almost a pleading tone. "Can't we wave something? I'll try my jacket." And he slipped the garment off, and proceeded to bestride the keel of the upturned Treasure. In a moment more Striker was beside him, and both waved their hands like demons.

Boom! loud and clear over the sea sounded the dull discharge of a ship's gun, and they saw the smoke float away from the nearest of the oncoming vessels.

"It's a man-o'-war, that's what it is!" burst from Striker's lips. "And it's a whole fleet of 'em!"