could he heard scraping against the iron floor, and little whistlings of
steam came like higher notes in the general tune. Even the noises of the
ship were strange and weird and impressive.

The crews had been standing in readiness at their stations for almost an
hour when it suddenly became noticeable that the darkness of night was
giving way before a gradual dawn. The glimmering flame in the lanterns
faded and waned, objects buried in gloom began to assume shape, and the
edges of the open ports grew sharp and more defined. Constant waiting
brought a relaxation of discipline, and the members of the different
crews grouped about the ports and eagerly searched for the chase.

The smudge on the horizon had long since disappeared, but directly ahead
could be seen the faint outlines of a steamer. A dense cloud of smoke
was pouring from her funnel, and it was plainly apparent that she was
making every effort to escape. This in itself was enough to stamp her
identity, and we shook our clenched fists exultantly after her.

The night broke rapidly. In the east a rosy tinge proclaimed the coming
sun. Just as the first glitter of the fiery rim appeared above the
horizon, a gray, damp mist swept across the water, coming like an
impenetrable wall between the "Yankee" and the chase.

[Illustration: "STAND BY, MEN. BE READY FOR INSTANT ACTION".]


CHAPTER V.

A WILD GOOSE CHASE.