One after another, while still going at full speed, the submarines drew close to the “Oakland.”  One after another, as signaled, the boats put in within easy hailing distance of the gunboat.

“The ‘Hastings’ will keep to the same South West, by South course, but at a distance of two miles off this vessel’s port bow,” came the order.  “The ‘Thor’ will take up similar position, two miles off the port side of the ‘Hastings.’”

The three remaining torpedo boats were assigned to positions corresponding on the starboard side of the “Oakland.”

In this order the boats went ahead at a speed reduced to fourteen miles.  The front of the line extended over some ten miles; in reality the line of vision extended much further than that.  Unless the semi-submerged derelict had moved much faster than such derelicts usually do, it was difficult to see how the wreck could get through this line of exploration.

Jack Benson pressed a signal that brought Hal Hastings up on deck.

“Rouse Eph and Mr. Farnum,” ordered the young skipper.  “We’ve got to have all hands on, now.  And call Lieutenant Danvers, also.  He’s not allowed to help us, but he’ll be anxious to see what is going on.”

As soon as Eph Somers reached deck Jack Benson turned the wheel over to him.  Then the young captain got his marine glasses, stationing himself, most of the time, beside the deck wheel.

“If it’s in any way possible,” muttered Jack, “I want to be the first to sight that derelict.  I want the honor of sinking her to come to us.  It will all be points in the game we are fighting for.”

As Benson spoke he swung his glass around to cover the deck of the “Thor,” that craft being, now, her full two miles away off the port beam.

“Rhinds has his whole crowd on deck, too,” growled young Benson, using his powerful marine glass with interest.  “Yes; everyone on deck, except two men for the engine room.”

At this moment Lieutenant Danvers stepped on deck, looking as though he had slept well.  The naval officer carried a glass very much like the submarine skipper’s.

“It’s almost mean of me to bring a glass on deck with me,” laughed Danvers.  “Under the rules I’m forbidden to give you any information I may find for myself.”

Jack nodded pleasantly, then turned to sweep the sea ahead.  At a distance of a few miles it would be easy enough to miss the half-submerged derelict.

For some three hours the flotilla swept on, with active officers on every deck.  The naval board had ordered this new formation ere reaching the probable location of the derelict.

“We haven’t passed the thing, anyway,” Jack muttered to Eph.  “The sea isn’t rough enough for that to be possible.”

Part of the time young Benson had surrendered his glass to his first officer, while the captain himself stood by the wheel.

But now, Jack was again pacing the deck, while Eph, his eyes mostly on the compass, steered steadily by course.