hat of the convoy.

"Anything startling?" enquired a major of one of the _Zungeru's_
officers who was passing.

"Oh, no," was the reply. "A tramp was trying to cut across our bows.
The _Tompion_ has signalled to know what's her little game. She's just
replied that she's the steamship _Ponto_, and wants to know whether
there have been any signs of a supposed raider."

The ship's officer continued on his way. The two subalterns, in no
hurry to return to their bunks, for the night air was warm and
fragrant, remained on deck, watching the manoeuvres of the cruiser and
the _Ponto_.

The exchange of signals continued for about ten minutes, then the
_Tompion_ resumed her station at the head of the convoy, while the
_Ponto_ took up her position on the beam of the starboard line.
Presently in obedience to a signal the ships altered helm and settled
down on their former course, the large steamer following suit, although
dropping steadily astern, for her speed was considerably less than that
of the transports.

Presently the ship's officer returned. As he passed Wilmshurst stopped
him, enquiring whether anything had developed.

"The _Ponto_ has cold feet," explained the _Zungeru's_ officer. "Her
Old Man seems to be under the impression that there is a Hun scuttling
around, so he's signalled for permission to tail on to us. The cruiser
offered no objection, provided the speed of the convoy is unaffected,
so by daylight the tramp will be hull-down, I expect."

"Much ado about nothing," remarked Laxdale. "I say, old man, let's
turn in again. What's the matter with you?"

He grasped Wilmshurst by the arm. The subaltern, apparently heedless
of the touch, was gazing fixedly at the tramp. The mercantile officer
and Laxdale both followed the direction of his look, the former giving
vent to a low whistle.

From above the gunwale of a boat stowed amidships on the _Ponto_ a
feeble light glimmered.

"Help--German raider," it signalled.

"You read it?" enquired the sailor hurriedly, as if to confirm the
evidence of his own eyes.

"Yes," replied Wilmshurst, and repeated the signal.

Without another word the _Zungeru's_ officer turned and raced to the
bridge. In a few moments the signal was passed on to the _Tompion_ by
means of a flashlamp, the rays of which were invisible save from the
direction of the receiver.

"Very good," was the cruiser's reply. "Carry on."

A little later the general order was flashed in t