Max Pemberton

“ But anon, when Burke and Messenger had come running up from the aft cabin, and the skipper had observed the dark hull of a cruiser, whose search-light played upon the yacht from a point some two miles away on the starboard quarter, they passed from their fear to wild oaths; and as the sound of a gun rolled over the sea, the white faces and bright eyes of the whole of them turned quickly to that place where the danger was to be observed. ”

“ So great was her speed that she scarce rode a sea, but dashed through it with foam-spurts shooting up incessantly above her prow and a quivering of her plates which sent fear palpitating through all who felt it. ”

“ Burke, who ruled with resonant voice, and was easy to be heard above the wind, had eyes both for his own men and the plunging cruiser. Messenger gripped the rail and smoked a cigar with easy assurance. Kenner was restless, and dared a pessimistic forecast at unseemly intervals. ”