With straining eyes the observers below watched the group of figures outlined against the sky.

They spoke in subdued tones.

As time went on and the flag was not unfurled, they took hope; eyes brightened, the hushed tones increased to a cheerful, excited clatter, the tenseness that had held them rigid for so long gave way before the growing conviction that another flag already fluttered somewhere beyond the screening hills.
And then, when hope was highest, the Stars and Stripes went up! Captain Trigger assembled the ship's company on the forward deck later in the day.

The landing party returned about three o'clock.

Acting on advance instructions, they made their report in private to the Captain, denying all information to the clamorous passengers.