"She is," agreed Kapitan von Riesser dryly. "But not so fast as you would like, perhaps. It is somewhat strange that she hasn't opened fire before now. Perhaps it is because your compatriots are afraid of hitting you," he added with a slight sneer.
"And for similar humanitarian reasons you have refrained from using your quick-firers, I presume?" retorted O'Hara.
"She's hoisting Argentine colours, sir," reported one of the Pelikan's officers.
He was right, for altering helm slightly the pursuing vessel enabled the flag to blow athwartships. At the same moment the signal that had been kept flying at the masthead could be distinguished. It read: "What ship is that?"
"Those colours may be an English trick," said the kapitan. "I'll carry on."
"By Jove, old man!" he whispered to his chum. "
