They are moving faster, too.

I wonder if any submarine signs have been seen." There could be no doubt that the fleet was moving faster.
"I take it," Prescott guessed, "that we've reached the part of the ocean, where greater speed is considered much more healthful." "The leading transport is signaling, and so are the destroyers in the lead," Greg announced, peering ahead.
In their path, and coming nearer four columns of dense smoke could be observed ascending as though coming up out of the water.
"More destroyers, or some cruisers, coming out to meet us," Dick conjectured.

"As yet they're too far away to be seen from this deck.

Yes, I must be right.

Look at the watch officers on the bridge.