The one at the northeast of the Bronx was making a long streak of black smoke on the sky, and there was no such appearance over the other.
Both were steamers.
"The one ahead of us is the Ocklockonee," said Captain Passford, after he had used the spyglass.

"I have no doubt the other is the Arran.
Probably she has a new name by this time, but I have not heard it yet.
Pass the word for Mr.Ambleton." This was the gunner, and he was directed to fire a single shot, blank, from the midship gun.

This was immediately done, and was the signal agreed upon with Flint if either discovered the Arran.

It was promptly answered by a similar discharge on board of the Ocklockonee, indicating that she had seen the steamer in question.
"Now, make her course southeast, Mr.Amblen," said Christy, after the two signals had been made.
"Southeast, sir," responded the second lieutenant, giving the course to the quartermaster at the wheel.
The commander of the Ocklockonee changed his course as soon as the Bronx had done so.

Both steamers were headed directly towards the sail in the southeast, and both were running for the apex of the triangle where the third steamer was located.
The captain visited every part of the vessel, and gave orders to have breakfast served at once, for he expected there would be lively times before many hours.