About one o'clock
My experience of the sea is no greater than your own , but you may be sure the Italians will follow the rules . If they really wish to overhaul us they will fly a signal soon . '' The warship was traveling sixteen knots an hour , the _ Aphrodite _ seven , so the chase did not last long . About one o'clock the green , white , and red ensign of Italy fluttered to the end of the pursuing vessel 's foreyard , where it could be seen most easily ; under it were shown the red and white striped code signal , and the `` J '' flag , which latter , in the language of the seas means , `` Stop ; I ` have something important to communicate . '' The British ensign was run up , followed by the answering pennant , the mainsail was lowered , the foresail backed , and the yacht was brought to , while the Italian ship , which was made out to be the _ Cigno _ , came on rapidly . Mrs. Haxton approached . Stump and whispered in his ear .