Royson,
pacing the tiny bridge, caught an occasional glimpse of the
millionaire's emphatic gestures. The Austrian was more sallow than
usual, but that might be the result of his unpleasant experiences on
the previous day. Irene came to the bridge. Though she knew that none
except the captain might converse with the officer on duty, she
whispered timidly:
"They won't fire at us, Mr. Royson, will they?"
He smiled reassuringly. The tremor in her voice was delightful. It made
him forget that wretched ring for a moment.
"No, that is not to be feared, Miss Fenshawe. My experience of the sea
is no greater than your own, but you may be sure the Italians will
follow the rules. If they really wish to overhaul us they will fly a
signal soon."
The warship was traveling sixteen knots an hour, the _Aphrodite_ seven,
so the chase did not last long. About one o'clock the green, white, and
red ensign of Italy fluttered to the end of the pursuing vessel's
foreyard, where it could be seen most easily; under it were shown the
red and white striped code signal, and the "J" flag, which latter, in
the language of the seas means, "Stop; I 'have something important to
communicate.
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