CHAPTER IX
HALCYON DAYS
we were now bound for Arrecifos Island, Hayston's central station, but had first to call at Pingelap and Strong's Island, where we were to land our cattle and ship a few tuns of oil.
Nine days after leaving Ponapé, as the sun broke through the tropic haze, the lookout reported smoke in sight. The Captain and I at once went aloft, and with our glasses made out a steamer a long distance off.
Hayston said he thought it was the Resacca, an American cruiser. Possibly she might overhaul us and take us into Ponapé. Unless the breeze freshened we could not get away from her.
We were heading N.IsT.E. close hauled, and the steamer appeared to be making for Ponapé. She was sure to see us within an hour unless she changed her course.
The Leonora was kept away a couple of points, but the wind was light, and we were only travelling about four knots.
At breakfast time we could see the man-of-war's spars from the deck, and the breeze was dying away. The Captain and I went on the foreyard and watched her.
She had not as yet changed her course, but apparently did not seem anxious to overtake us.
At length Hayston said with a laugh, as he took a long look at her, " All right, keep full, and by (to the man at the wheel) , brace up the yards again, she doesn't want to
