Before he could grasp it, however, the officer of the division was at his side.
"Stop!" he exclaimed authoritatively.
The interruption was fortunate, for, just then, a swerve of the oncoming torpedo boat revealed a small flag flying from the taffrail staff.

It was the American ensign.
The reaction was great.

Forgetting discipline, we crowded about the port and laughed and cheered like a lot of schoolboys.

Potter, in his joy and evident relief, sent his canvas cap sailing through the air.

A rebuke, not very stern, however, came from the lieutenant in charge of the division, and we shuffled back to our stations.
"Cricky! what a sell," exclaimed the second rifleman, grinning.