They could feel it rather than see it.

They heard some order given in a foreign language, and De Sylva whispered: "The _Sao Geronimo_!" "The wot-ah ?" demanded Coke, who was standing beside him.
"The cruiser!" Coke listened.

He could distinguish the half-speed beating of twin screws.

He knew at once that the ex-President must have recognized the warship as she passed the creek, but, by some accident, had failed to mention her name during the long hours that had sped in the meantime.
The sinister specter passed and the launch crept on.

Everyone on board was breathless with suspense.